Magnetic resonance imaging with paramagnetic contrast enhancement as a tool for the control of antiatherosclerotic treatment with atorvastatine in case of carotid stenosis

The article presents and discusses capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging with paramagnetic contrast enhancement as a possible tool for long-term follow-up of atherosclerotic plaques. Authors present a case of following-up a patient with bilateral carotid atherosclerotic plaques treated with atorvastatine at a dose of 40 mg per day for as long as two years. Data suggest that long-term treatment with atorvastatine is associated with decrease in contrast enhancement of atherosclerotic plaques of carotid arteries and also with stabilization/improvement in MRI scans of the brain itself.