Predictive power of high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging in ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a key contributor to ischemic stroke and has a high recurrence rate. This study aimed to investigate the function of high-resolution vessel wall MRI (HR-VW-MRI) and evaluate plaque characteristics in patients with ICAD. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with ICAD who underwent HR-VW-MRI were enrolled, and imaging measurements were acquired. Baseline clinical characteristics were identified. Telephone follow-up was conducted every three months. The endpoint events were the first onset or recurrence of ischemic stroke and new clinical vascular events. Patients were divided into groups with or without events according to whether the endpoint event occurred. RESULTS: < 0.05). Logistic analysis showed that grade 2 enhancements, stenosis degree ≥ 50%, HST1, and surface features were independent prognostic factors of the onset of stroke, caused by ICAD. CONCLUSION: This prospective study demonstrates that HR-VW-MRI can identify atherosclerotic plaques in the cerebral artery and high-risk plaques, which may contribute to the prevention of ICAD and guide clinical treatment.