A new method for analysis of motion of carotid plaques from RF ultrasound images

Motion of carotid artery plaques during the cardiac cycle may contribute to plaque disruption and embolism. We have developed a computerized method that objectively analyzes such motion from a sequence of ultrasound (US) radiofrequency (RF) images. A displacement vector map is obtained by 2-D correlation of local areas in consecutive images. From this map, motion dynamics can be quantified and presented as function of time, spatial (image) coordinates or as single numbers. Correct functionality has been verified on laboratory data. Applied to patient data, the method gives temporal results that correlate well with ECG data and the calculated peak systolic velocities of typically 10 mm/s agree well with values reported in the literature. The spatial analysis demonstrates that different plaque regions may exhibit different motion patterns that may cause internal stress, leading to fissures and plaque disruption. Thus, the motion analysis method may provide new and important information about the plaque characteristics and the prospective risk of cerebrovascular events.