Diagnostic methods include: ;Angiogram Due to positive remodeling the plaque build-up shown on angiogram may appear further downstream on the x-ray where the luminal diameter would look normal even though there is severe narrowing at the real site. Because angiograms require x-rays to be visualized the number of times an individual can have it done over a year is limited by the guidelines for the amount of radiation they can be exposed to in a one-year period. Angio MRI of supra-aortic vessels after the injection of 20cc of gadolinium for contrast ; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Magnetic resonance imaging has the ability to quantify the plaque anatomy and composition. This allows physicians to determine certain characteristics of the plaque such as how likely it is to break away from the wall and become an embolus. MRI does not use ionizing radiation, so the number of times that it is used on a single person is not a concern; however since it uses strong magnetic fields those who have metal implants cannot use this technique. ;Computed tomography (CT) In the context of imaging<unk> , multidirectional computed tomography (MDCT) is often superior to regular CT scans, because it can provide a higher spatial resolution and it has a shorter acquisition time. MDCT uses x-rays to obtain the image; however it can identify the composition of the plaque. Thus it can be determined whether the plaque is calcified plaque and lipid-rich plaque, so the inherent risks can be determined. Subjects are exposed to a substantial amount of radiation with this procedure, so their use is limited.
Cerebral atherosclerosis
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Infectious intracranial aneurysm
Cerebral vasospasm
Cerebral vasculitis
Carotid artery stenosis
Intracranial aneurysm
Capillary aneurysms