Vessel Wall MR Imaging to Explore Sex-Differences of Intracranial Arterial Wall Changes After Suspected Stroke

Vessel Wall MR Imaging to Explore Sex-Differences of Intracranial Arterial Wall Changes After Suspected Stroke

Despite advances in stroke care, women continue to face worse outcomes after stroke than men. This disparity in outcomes may be related to biologic sex-differences that manifest in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Decades of cyclic changes in the hormonal milieu lead to different metabolic profiles in women. These changes may also explain sex-differences in risk factor profiles of atherogenesis and plaque composition. The investigators' objective is to conduct a cross-sectional MR imaging study of suspected stroke patients to compare the burden and composition of intracranial atherosclerosis and risk factors between men and women. Results from this study are expected to show that sex and sex-specific risk factors should be considered at the outset of stroke evaluation for risk-stratification. In the era of precision medicine, the investigators propose the role of sex should be a starting point in the clinical evaluation of stroke.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Older than 18 years
• Suspected stroke patients
• No contraindications for an MRI exam or gadolinium intravenous contrast
• No need for an emergent interventional treatment (e.g., thrombectomy)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Younger than 18 years
• Pregnant