Single- and Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for Brachiocephalic Atherosclerosis Imaging: Review
- Authors: Galyautdinova L.E.1, Beregovskii D.A.1, Basek I.V.1, Alekseeva D.V.1, Trufanov G.E.1
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Affiliations:
- Almazov National Medical Research Center
- Issue: Vol 44, No 2 (2025)
- Pages: 189-194
- Section: Reviews
- URL: https://journals.eco-vector.com/RMMArep/article/view/643138
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.17816/rmmar643138
- EDN: https://elibrary.ru/FWXHQX
- ID: 643138
Cite item
Abstract
Brachiocephalic atherosclerosis remain the primary cause of acute cerebral ischemic events, such as ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. As reported by the World Health Organization, the ischemic stroke mortality has declined, however remains high at 117.9 per 100,000 population. Recent studies increasingly demonstrate that ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack are associated with signs of unstable atherosclerotic plaques. Advances in structural vascular imaging techniques, particularly in radiation-based techniques, now enable not only the assessment of stenosis severity but also the detailed evaluation of plaque composition and instability signs, such as intraplaque hemorrhages, lipid-rich necrotic cores with thin fibrous caps, calcifications, and neovascularization. Precise imaging of the extracranial carotid arteries is essential for accurate risk stratification. This review summarizes recent data on the imaging capabilities of computed tomography, including dual-energy computed tomography, in visualizing brachiocephalic atherosclerosis. The review is based on the scientific articles published over the past decade and retrieved from PubMed and eLibrary databases. The analysis includes the scientific articles, Russian and international clinical guidelines on carotid artery disease management that incorporate evidence-based experimental and clinical findings. Computed tomography has been established as a standard diagnostic tool for assessing brachiocephalic atherosclerosis; it is considered the gold standard for assessing stenosis severity and also provides valuable information on plaque morphology, ulceration, etc. Although dual-energy computed tomography broadens the scope to detect signs of unstable plaques, further research and standardization are required.
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About the authors
Lina E. Galyautdinova
Almazov National Medical Research Center
Email: Lina_erikovna@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5607-8550
Scopus Author ID: 58520047400
postgraduate student of the Radiology and Medical Imaging Department with a Clinic
Russian Federation, 2, Akkuratova st., Saint Petersburg, 197341Daniil A. Beregovskii
Almazov National Medical Research Center
Author for correspondence.
Email: bereg.daniil96@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0008-7964-7857
resident of the Radiology and Medical Imaging Department with a Clinic
Russian Federation, 2, Akkuratova st., Saint Petersburg, 197341Ilona V. Basek
Almazov National Medical Research Center
Email: Ilona.basek@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4442-7228
Scopus Author ID: 56703505500
MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), the Head of the Radiolody Department, Associate Professor of the Radiology and Medical Imaging Department with a Clinic
Russian Federation, 2, Akkuratova st., Saint Petersburg, 197341Daria V. Alekseeva
Almazov National Medical Research Center
Email: alekseeva_dv@almazovcentre.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9528-9377
SPIN-code: 6484-4327
Scopus Author ID: 57200255965
the Head of Radiation Diagnostics Department N 1, Assistant of the Radiology and Medical Imaging Department with a Clinic
Russian Federation, 2, Akkuratova st., Saint Petersburg, 197341Gennadiy E. Trufanov
Almazov National Medical Research Center
Email: trufanovge@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1611-5000
SPIN-code: 3139-3581
Scopus Author ID: 6602602324
MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor, the Head of the Radiology and Medical Imaging Department with the Clinic
Russian Federation, 2, Akkuratova st., Saint Petersburg, 197341References
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