The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in risk assessment of carotid atheroma
Background and objective: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, used to assess atherosclerotic carotid plaques, improves visualization of vessel wall irregularities and depicts intraplaque neovascularization. This article illustrates the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the risk assessment of caro...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Publishing House
2016-07-01
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| Series: | Romanian Journal of Military Medicine |
| Online Access: | http://revistamedicinamilitara.ro/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/RJMM-vol-CXIX-nr-2-din-2016.11-13.pdf |
| Summary: | Background and objective: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, used to assess atherosclerotic
carotid plaques, improves visualization of vessel wall irregularities and depicts intraplaque
neovascularization. This article illustrates the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the risk
assessment of carotid atherosclerotic lesions, especially in challenging plaques evaluation.
Materials and methods: For 23 patients with difficult duplex ultrasound examination due to
carotid tortuosity or calcifications we assessed plaque morphology (contour, echogenicity and
stenosis degree) using contrast substance (Sonovue, Braco) with dedicated vascular low
mechanical index CPC software.
Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a new, noninvasive, and safe procedure for imaging
carotid atherosclerotic lesions. It is a valuable tool for evaluating the vulnerable plaque at risk for
rupture and for the diagnostic of the development and severity of systemic atherosclerotic disease |
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| ISSN: | 1222-5126 2501-2312 |