Table.
Current evidence of use of the imaging technique for the detection the features of vulnerability
| US | PET | MR | CT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carotid plaque volume | ± | ± | ++ | ++ |
| Maximum wall thickness | ++ | − | ++a | + |
| Plaque inflammation | ± | ++ | + | − |
| Neovascularization | + | ± | + | + |
| Ulceration | + | − | ++ | ++ |
| The LRNC | ± | − | ++ | ± |
| The FC | ± | − | ++ | − |
| Plaque calcification | ± | − | + | ++ |
| IPH | ± | − | ++ | + |
| Microembolism | ++ | − | − | − |
CT, Computed tomography; FC, fibrous cap; IPH, intraplaque hemorrhage; LRNC, lipid-rich necrotic core; MR, magnetic resonance; PET, positron emission tomography; US, ultrasound.
Strong supporting evidence ++.
Moderate supporting evidence +.
Conflicting supporting evidence ±.
Weak supporting evidence −.
a
With dedicated coils to increase the spatial resolution.