CompletedNot Applicable

ParisK: Correlation of Imaging Techniques With Histology

Netherlands60 participantsStarted 2011-08

Plain-language summary

The possibility to identify the risk of rupture of a carotid plaque will have tremendous impact in clinical decision making. A vulnerable plaque is considered to have a large lipid rich necrotic core (LRNC), a thin fibrous cap, the presence of inflammatory cells, intraplaque haemorrhage and/or neovascularisation (vasa vasorum). The investigators aim to validate imaging of plaque vulnerability with histology. Previous studies have evaluated the use of imaging to assess carotid plaque vulnerability, mostly showing a good correlation between imaging and histology and/or clinical characteristics. However, they have focused on single modalities, (magnetic resonance imaging \[MRI\], multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT), ultrasonography (US) or transcranial Doppler (TCD), and have used relatively small cohorts The primary goal of this study is to investigate whether there is a correlation between neovascularisation in the carotid atherosclerotic plaque as observed with 3.0 Tesla dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and histology. Moreover, the investigators aim to investigate the correlation between the volume of the LRNC as determined by dual-energy CT and histology. Secondly, the investigators will investigate the correlation between the volume of the LRNC, the fibrous cap status and the volume of the calcifications determined by MRI versus histology, the correlation between number of microembolisms and fibrous cap status and the correlation between the deformation pattern seen with ultrasound and the volume of the LRNC. The imaging parameters showing good correlation with plaque vulnerability characteristics can be used for further analysis in assessing the vulnerable plaque

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

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Inclusion criteria

. Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis 70-99% within 3 months of neurological symptoms
. Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis 50-99% in man within 2 weeks of neurological symptoms
. Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis 70-99% with contralateral occlusion

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

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Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Ktrans on dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI

Timeframe: 1 day

Lipid-rich necrotic core on dual-energy CT

Timeframe: 1 day

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01709045

SponsorMaastricht University Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2014-12

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