Abstract
Background and purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate whether neovascularisation of the carotid plaque assessed by visual analysis of contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUS) correlates to hyperintensity signals in MRI black blood sequences. We further investigated correlation to echogenicity features of the plaque. Methods and results: Patients with > 50% symptomatic or > 60% asymptomatic stenoses were included. Ultrasound and MRI examination was carried out in every patient and included assessment of degree of stenosis, measurement of echogenicity and contrast enhanced imaging using a cadence CPS program with low mechanical index. Sonovue was used as a contrast agent. Contrast enhancement was evaluated visually (grade 0: no, grade 1: intermediate and grade 2: extensive enhancement). MRI included black blood sequences of the carotid artery and intraplaque hemorrhage was determined by presence of an hyperintensity signal within the carotid plaque Thirteen carotid plaques from 12 patients were included. Intraplaque hemorrhage detected by MRI (n = 10) showed a significantly higher neovascularization analyzed by CEUS (median grade 1 vs. 0, p = 0.03). There was no correlation with plaque echogenicity. Conclusion: Visual analysis of carotid plaque neovascularization assessed by contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging correlated significantly with a hyperintensity signal on MRI black blood sequences.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
