What is this study trying to find out about carotid artery plaque?

This study is investigating how 18F FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/MR imaging can detect vulnerable features of carotid artery plaques that may lead to stroke. Researchers want to better understand plaque inflammation and fibrosis to help identify unstable plaques. The study is led by Ruijin Hospital to improve early stroke risk assessment.

Who may be eligible for this carotid artery plaque clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 80 years with carotid atherosclerotic plaque confirmed by recent ultrasound and specific imaging criteria may be eligible. Both men and women can participate. People who have had carotid surgery or stenting or have contraindications to PET/MR are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this carotid artery plaque clinical trial?

Study-related care, including imaging scans and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel and related expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any costs related to traveling to the study site.

Actively Recruiting

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

ID07004673

18F FDG and 68Ga FAPI PETMR Imaging of Carotid Artery Plaque Vulnerability A Clinical Study in Carotid Artery Plaque Patients

Led by Ruijin Hospital · Updated on 2026-03-05

100

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Carotid artery plaque rupture is a leading cause of ischemic stroke, and early, accurate assessment of plaque vulnerability can help prevent these strokes. Researchers are studying the use of 18F FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PETMR imaging to investigate features of vulnerable carotid plaques, such as active fibrosis and inflammation, which may better identify unstable plaques compared to standard MRI alone. This observational study aims to clarify imaging characteristics linked to plaque instability in patients with carotid artery plaques. Participants will undergo 18F FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PETMR scans to assess metabolic and structural plaque features. Treatments such as medication, carotid stenting, or carotid endarterectomy will follow clinical guidelines but are not assigned by the study. The study focuses on evaluating plaque vulnerability through advanced imaging rather than testing specific treatments. During the study, participants will be monitored for stroke and cerebral hemorrhage at 1, 6, and 12 months after their PETMR scan. Researchers will also assess the openness of the carotid artery lumen patency rate and analyze imaging results at these same time points. This approach aims to track plaque changes and clinical outcomes over one year to better understand plaque behavior and risk.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

18F FDG and 68Ga FAPI PET/MR Imaging of Carotid Artery Plaque Vulnerability: A Clinical Study in Carotid Artery Plaque Patients

Who Can Participate

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Age between 18 and 80 years
Presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque confirmed by ultrasound within the past two weeks
Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) of 2 mm or more, or carotid artery stenosis of 50% or more as shown by CTA

You will not qualify if you...

Absolute or relative contraindications to PET/MR imaging (e.g., metallic implants, MRI phobia)
Previous carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting
Pregnant or lactating women
Presence of other vascular diseases such as vasculitis, moyamoya disease, or arterial dissection
Severe agitation or inability to cooperate with imaging procedures

Research Team

JUN LIU Professor

BIN LIU PhD student

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