Abstract
Adventitial vasa vasorum and plaque vascularization have been established as predictors of unstable atheromasic lesions in cerebro- and cardiovascular patients. Ultrasound contrast agents provide reliable information on tissue perfusion and microcirculation. We used contrast ultrasound duplex scanning to identify carotid plaque vascularization. Contrast carotid duplex scanning was performed in 23 patients with plaques of different degree of stenosis and echogenicity. Plaque vascularization was detected in the fibrous and fibro-fatty tissue and not observed in the calcific nor in the necrotic and hemorrhagic tissue. Constantly, a small vessel was observed under ulcerations. Carotid contrast ultrasound imaging appears to be an emerging technique for identifying plaque angiogenesis. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of plaque angiogenesis for assessing cerebrovascular risk and to monitor effects of therapies aimed to plaque remodelling.
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.
