Table 1.

Exclusion criteria for participation in the study.

Exclusion criteria for the IMPLAC study
Age < 18 or >85 years
Contraindications to CTA (eGFR < 30 mL/min; history of allergic reaction to iodinated contrast media)
Pregnancy or child-bearing potential
Specific contraindication to MRI: •Claustrophobia •Sickle cell anemia •Systemic mastocytosis •Implanted cardiac devices (PM, ICD) •Vascular clips •Vertebral distractors •Infusion pumps •Neurostimulators •Liquor derivations •Any device which could be dispositioned in the presence of a strong magnetic field
Dementia
Life expectancy less than study follow up (18 months)
History of drug abuse, alcohol abuse or any psychiatric or social condition which may contraindicate the participation to a clinical study
Vertebral artery occlusion
Previous revascularization of the carotid artery
Current anti-coagulation
Atrial fibrillation not necessitating anticoagulation
Known PFO necessitating anti-platelet treatment
Previous cerebrovascular accidents
Previous infections to the CNS
Previous surgery to the CNS
History of anoxic damage to the CNS
Previous cardiac surgery or positioning of intracardiac devices (excluded coronary stents)
History of autoimmune vasculitis