Abstract W P396: Positive Correlation Between Neovascularization Degree of Carotid Atherosclerosis Determined by Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound and Level of Serum C-reactive Protein

Abstract

Objective: To correlate plaque thickness, artery stenosis and levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) with the degree of intraplaque enhancement determined by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods: CEUS was performed on 72 carotid atherosclerotic plaques in 48 patients. Contrast enhancement within the plaque was categorized as grade 1, 2 or 3. Maximum plaque thickness was measured in short-axis view. Carotid artery stenosis was categorized as mild, moderate or severe. Serum levels of CRP were detected in the fasting state during the same period. Results: Patients were divided into three groups according to the degree of contrast enhancement. Plaque contrast enhancement was not associated with the degree of artery stenosis (P>0.05) or with plaque thickness (P>0.05). Serum CRP levels were positively correlated with the number of new vessels in the plaque. CRP levels increased in the three groups(Grade 1: 3.72±1.79mg/L; Grade 2: 7.88±4.24 mg/L; Grade 3: 11.02±3.52 mg/L), with significant differences among them (F=10.14, P<0.01), and significant differences between each two groups (P<0.05). Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed that serum CRP levels were positively correlated with the degree of carotid plaque enhancement (rs =0.69, P<0.01). Conclusions: The degree of plaque enhancement on CEUS was not significantly correlated with plaque thickness or vascular stenosis. However, CEUS could semi-quantitatively evaluate new vessels in plaques, and there was a positive correlation between the degree of intraplaque neovascularization and serum CRP levels. The combination of serum CRP levels and intraplaque neovascularization detected by CEUS may allow more accurate evaluation of plaque stability.