Detection Of Intracranial Vessel Wall Lesions In Patients With Diabetes Using 7 T Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Motivation: Patients with diabetes often have atherosclerosis; however, non-stenotic plaques in the vessels remain an increased risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS) Goal(s): To explore the intracranial vessel wall lesions burden of diabetic patients and its relationship with IS. Approach: Using 7T 3D-VWI technology, subtle changes in the vascular wall can be sensitively detected. Results: Total vessel wall lesion burden (P<0.001), anterior circulation (P=0.002), and posterior circulation (P=0.001) were higher in diabetic patients compared to controls; total vessel wall lesion burden (P=0.023) was higher in symptomatic diabetic patients compared to asymptomatic diabetic patients. Impact: Vessel wall lesion burden in diabetes may significantly increase the risk of cerebrovascular events. Future studies in diabetes will help to clarify the mechanisms by which vascular wall burden affects IS, thereby providing more effective imaging predictive indicators of IS.