5. Conclusions
In this pilot study, we demonstrated that carotid MRI can be reliable in
classifying carotid lesions and differentiating unstable from stable
plaques. Our initial results showed that the expression of MMP-9 is
significantly higher among symptomatic patients undergoing CEA which
suggest that MMP-9 may affect remodelling and destabilization of the
carotid plaque among symptomatic patients. This study could help in
defining discriminative ability of preoperative MRI, and in improving
identification of patients with unstable plaque that have an indication
for CEA. However, further study will be anticipated with more
participants being recruited over a longer study period. Further
prospective and randomized studies are needed to provide better
understanding of the mechanisms by which MMP-9 can affect
atherosclerotic plaque structure and remodelling.