Applications of artificial intelligence-based models in vulnerable carotid plaque

Carotid atherosclerotic disease is a widely acknowledged risk factor for ischemic stroke, making it a major concern on a global scale. To alleviate the socio-economic impact of carotid atherosclerotic disease, crucial objectives include prioritizing prevention efforts and early detection. So far, the degree of carotid stenosis has been regarded as the primary parameter for risk assessment and determining appropriate therapeutic interventions. Histopathological and imaging-based studies demonstrated important differences in the risk of cardiovascular events given a similar degree of luminal stenosis, identifying plaque structure and composition as key determinants of either plaque vulnerability or stability. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based techniques to carotid imaging can offer several solutions for tissue characterization and classification. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the main concepts related to AI. Additionally, we review the existing literature on AI-based models in ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for vulnerable plaque detection, and we finally examine the advantages and limitations of these AI approaches.