Imaging features and pathological comparison of carotid web

Abstract

Objective To analyze the ultrasound examination and computed tomography angiography (CTA) features of carotid web(CAW), and compare with the pathology after carotid endarterectomy, and then compare diagnostic efficacies of the two methods. Methods From June 2018 to July 2019, 159 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy(CEA) in Beijing Tian Tan Hospital were collected, ultrasound examination and CTA were performed preoperatively. The presence or absence of CAW and whether there were thrombosis or atherosclerotic plaques associated with it were identified. The location length, thickness, direction in the lumen, echo characteristics of CAW, and complicated with or without thrombosis or atherosclerotic plaques were recorded. The postoperative specimens were observed, and the pathological analysis was performed. Results Among the 159 cases of CEA, 22 cases were confirmed to have CAW structure by pathology, and HE staining showed extensive intimal fibrohyperplasia and mucoid degeneration, among which 18 cases had plaque formation at the bottom of the carotid web, and 4 cases associated with thrombosis. There were 17 cases of CAW structure diagnosed by ultrasound, 5 cases were misdiagnosed or missed, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in the diagnosis of CAW were 77% (17/22) and 98% (135/137), and the accuracy was 75%. Eleven cases of CAW were diagnosed by preoperative CTA, and 11 cases were misdiagnosed and missed diagnosis, the sensitivity and specificity of CTA in the diagnosis of CAW were 50%(11/22) and 97%(134/137), and the accuracy was 47%. Conclusions The sensitivity of ultrasound in the diagnosis of CAW is higher than that of CTA, which can better display the structure of CAW and whether it is associated with plaque or thrombosis. Key words: Ultrasonography; Carotid artery web; Atherosclerosis plaque; Thrombosis; Computed tomographic angiography