Imaging of Unstable Carotid Plaque in Patient Referred to Endarterectomy

Assessment of Unstable Carotid Plaque Using PET and MR Imaging in Patient Referred to Endarterectomy: The CAROTEP Study

This study will assess unstable plaque imaging features by using high resolution MR imaging and Sodium Fluoride F-18 PET. This is a comparative study between symptomatic and asymptomatic patient referred to carotid endateriectomy, with reference to pathologic analysis of plaque components

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age over 18 years old

• Health care system affiliation

• Referred to carotid endarterectomy

• Symptomatic patients:

  • Carotid stenosis between 70 and 99% (NASCET criteria)
  • TIA or minor stroke attack (RANKIN ≤ 3)

• Asymptomatic patients:

  • Carotid stenosis between 70 and 99% (NASCET criteria)
  • No symptoms

• Patient who has been informed of the study and has given his/her informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contra indication to MRI
• Renal failure (clearance < 30ml/mn)
• Patient with active inflammatory disease
• History of cancer
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Patient with carotid disease treated by fibrinolysis
• Patient under guardianship, or unable to understand the purpose of the study