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Echographic characterization of carotid plaques
H Van Damme1, G Trotteur, M Vivario
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium.
Acta Chirurgica Belgica
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Ultrasound echography effectively characterizes carotid artery plaques, distinguishing fibrous plaques and detecting intraplaque hemorrhage. This imaging technique aids in understanding carotid atheroma pathology.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Carotid atheroma poses a significant risk for stroke.
- Accurate characterization of plaque morphology is crucial for risk stratification and treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the preoperative ultrasound echopattern of carotid plaques with their histology.
- To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound in identifying specific plaque components and surface characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis of 154 endarterectomy specimens.
- Preoperative ultrasound echography of 120 carotid plaques with adequate image quality.
- Classification of plaques based on echogenicity, homogeneity, and surface features.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound identified dense homogeneous hyperechogenic (fibrous) plaques with 87% specificity and 56% sensitivity.
- Recent intraplaque hemorrhage was detected as hypoechogenic areas with 79% specificity and 75% sensitivity.
- Echography demonstrated higher accuracy than angiography in identifying plaque ulceration.
Conclusions:
- Duplex scan ultrasound is valuable for characterizing carotid atheroma pathology.
- Clinicopathologic correlation of carotid plaques using ultrasound has practical clinical importance.
- Ultrasound aids in differentiating plaque types and detecting hemorrhage, informing clinical management.