Preliminary study on the differentiation of vulnerable carotid plaques via analysis of calcium content and spectral curve slope by using gemstone spectral imaging

Fan,Ze-Xin; Yuan,Shao-Jie; Li,Xiao-Qing; Yang,Ting-Ting; Niu,Tian-Tong; Ma,Lin; Sun,Kai; Wang,Li; Liu,Guang-Zhi

doi:10.3892/etm.2022.11254

Preliminary study on the differentiation of vulnerable carotid plaques via analysis of calcium content and spectral curve slope by using gemstone spectral imaging

Authors:
- Ze-Xin Fan
- Shao-Jie Yuan
- Xiao-Qing Li
- Ting-Ting Yang
- Tian-Tong Niu
- Lin Ma
- Kai Sun
- Li Wang
- Guang-Zhi Liu
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Affiliations: Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, P.R. China, Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China, Department of Imaging, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
Published online on: March 14, 2022 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2022.11254
Article Number: 325
Copyright: © Fan et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Growing evidence indicates that vulnerable carotid plaque rupture is an important cause of stroke. However, the role of novel gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) in the assessment of vulnerable carotid plaques has remained to be sufficiently explored. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of carotid atherosclerotic plaques using both GSI imaging biomarkers and serological biomarkers, and further explore their possible roles in the atherogenic process. The present study analyzed GSI data, including calcium content of carotid atherosclerotic plaques and spectral curve slope, as well as serum high‑sensitivity C‑reactive protein (Hs‑CRP) and monocyte chemotactic protein‑1 (MCP‑1) levels in patients with a carotid atherosclerotic plaque using GSI‑computed tomographic angiography and immunoturbidimetry. Patients with unstable plaque exhibited a significantly lower calcium content and higher spectral curve slope than those of the stable plaque group. In addition, patients with unstable plaque exhibited an increase in Hs‑CRP and MCP‑1 levels compared with those of the stable plaque and normal control groups. The alteration in GSI calcium content and spectral curve slope reflects a close link between calcification and plaque instability, while aberrant Hs‑CRP and MCP‑1 expression are involved in the formation or development of vulnerable plaques. Taken together, the present results strongly support the feasibility of using these serological and newly identified imaging parameters as multiple potential biomarkers relevant to plaque vulnerability or stroke progression.

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