Recent advance in role of carotid artery perivascular adipose tissue in carotid atherosclerotic plaque
10.3760/cma.j.cn115354-20250416-00220
- VernacularTitle:颈动脉周围脂肪组织在颈动脉粥样硬化斑块中的研究进展
- Author:
Xueke ZHANG
1
;
Yuanyuan WU
1
;
Manman CUI
1
;
Zeyuan CAO
1
;
Dongliang HU
1
;
Yan LIU
1
;
Duchang ZHAI
1
;
Wu CAI
1
Author Information
1. 苏州大学附属第二医院放射科，苏州 215004
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Carotid artery;
Perivascular adipose tissue;
Perivascular adipose tissue density;
Carotid atherosclerostic plaque;
Vulnerable plaque characteristic
- From:
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine
2025;24(10):1053-1057
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Carotid artery perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) can influence plaque formation and progression. Recently, carotid artery PVAT density has emerged as a novel imaging biomarker being capable of reflecting local metabolic and inflammatory states of adipose tissue. It is closely associated with vulnerable plaque characteristics, such as intraplaque hemorrhage, thinning or rupture of the fibrous cap, lipid-rich necrotic core, and calcification. Therefore, carotid artery PVAT density holds promise as a key parameter for early identification of vulnerable carotid plaques and stroke risk prediction. This article reviews the definition and pathophysiological mechanism of PVAT and application of imaging techniques in PVAT, as well as the association between carotid artery PVAT density and vulnerable characteristics of plaques, with the aim of providing references for early identification of asymptomatic high-risk plaques and individualized prevention strategies of ischemic stroke.
