PET-MRI Imaging in Patients With Acute Neurovascular Syndrome

Ischaemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. In patients with recent stroke, the 18F-fluoride positron emission tomography-computed tomography highlights high-risk culprit carotid plaque and is more discriminatory than 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose. Using hybrid positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging investigators propose to build upon these findings by prospectively assessing 18F-fluoride uptake in a broad range of patients with acute transient ischaemic attack or ischaemic stroke. Investigators will specifically examine the association of 18F-fluoride uptake with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging assessments of atherosclerotic plaque, especially the role of thrombus and lipid. Finally, using transcranial Doppler and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance brain imaging, an assessment of the functional consequences of 18F-fluoride-positive atherosclerotic plaque will be performed. If successful, this technique has a number of valuable translational applications including the better selection of patients for carotid intervention.