Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Carotid Atherosclerosis

__Abstract__ Worldwide, about 17 million people die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) each year, chiefly from ischemic heart disease and stroke.(1) Amongst those, stroke, the most common manifestation of cerebrovascular disease, has been the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults worldwide (1990-2010) (2) There are two main types of stroke — ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke is more common and caused by an obstruction in the cerebral vasculature. The causes of ischemic strokes are heterogeneous, including atherosclerosis in the large arteries such as the carotid arteries (see fig 1.), lacunar infarctions and cardiogenic embolism. In this thesis, I will focus on carotid atherosclerosis as it is the most prominent to identify patients with a high risk of ischemic stroke. Atherosclerotic plaques can rupture which will lead to thrombo-embolization into the intracranial circulation or to acute occlusion of the carotid artery. Despite major advances in treatment strategies, ischemic stroke due to carotid atherosclerotic remains a serious public health problem. Current screening and diagnostic methods are insufficient to identify the plaques that have a high rupture risk and thus to select the individual before he is confronted with an ischemic stroke. One of the strategies to better face the challenges of cerebrovascular disease and improve well being of the population and of the individual includes early recognition of the vulnerable high-risk atherosclerotic plaque