MRI Detection of Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage and Postintervention Cognition

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cognitive improvement has been reported after carotid revascularization and attributed to treating stenosis and correcting hypoperfusion. This study investigated the effect of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage on postintervention cognition. MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this institutional review board-approved single-center study, consecutive patients scheduled for carotid surgery were recruited for preoperative carotid MR imaging (MPRAGE) and pre-and postintervention cognitive testing using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Pre-and postintervention scores were compared using t tests and multivariable linear regression.