Figure 2.

Overview of predictive value in Hazard Ratio [95% confidence interval] of plaque vulnerable features as reported in two meta-analyses. Schindler et al. (24) included 560 symptomatic and 136 asymptomatic participants with 66 ipsilateral ischemic strokes gathered from seven studies. The meta-analysis by Gupta et al. (37) consists of in total 779 patients (ratio symptomatic and asymptomatic unclear) with at least 169 ipsilateral ischemic strokes and TIAs (exact number unclear). Plaque volume is not included in this overview due to the lack of reported predictive value in meta-analyses. Patients are grouped into (A) symptomatic and (B) asymptomatic when data was available and hazard ratios were reported for the degree of stenosis, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), thin or ruptured fibrous cap (TRFC), and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC). Hazard ratios reported in Gupta et al. (37) include both ischemic stroke and TIA, while Schindler provided ischemic stroke hazard ratios.