Ultra-high-resolution and dual-energy computed tomography of carotid artery plaques differentiate symptomatic and asymptomatic patients by novel volumetric analysis

Symptomatic plaques were identified best by measuring density of the whole, calcified or non-calcified plaque and via spotty, profoundly localized and less dense calcification. A volumetric DEI identifies symptomatic plaques with non-calcified plaque characteristics more accurately than single-energy CT. Future clinical studies are necessary to confirm these findings in patients.