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Echolucency of carotid plaques correlates with plaque cellularity
I Gonçalves1, J Moses, L M Pedro
1Department of Medicine, Lund University, Wallenberg-laboratory, Malmö University Hospital, SE-20502 Malmö, Sweden. isabel.goncalves@medforsk.mas.lu.se
Summary
Ultrasonography’s echolucency of carotid plaques indicates cellularity. This finding suggests ultrasound can identify high-risk plaques and monitor treatment effects on plaque structure.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Imaging
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Carotid plaque echolucency is a key indicator of plaque vulnerability.
- Assessing plaque cellularity is crucial for understanding plaque stability and rupture risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between carotid plaque echolucency, as determined by ultrasonography, and plaque cellularity.
- To determine if ultrasonographic features can predict cellular composition and risk.
Main Methods:
- Carotid plaques from endarterectomy were analyzed for DNA and protein content to assess cellularity.
- Grey-scale median (GSM) from high-definition ultrasonography classified plaques as echolucent (<32) or echogenic (>=32).
Main Results:
- Symptomatic plaques showed significantly higher DNA and soluble protein content than asymptomatic ones.
- Echolucent plaques (GSM < 32) had greater DNA and soluble protein levels compared to echogenic plaques.
- A significant inverse correlation was observed between GSM and plaque DNA/soluble protein content.
Conclusions:
- Carotid plaque echolucency, assessed via ultrasonography, directly reflects plaque cellularity.
- Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for identifying high-risk carotid plaques.
- This method can aid in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at modifying plaque structure.