Ultrasonic Analysis of Vulnerable Carotid Plaque
Author Information
Author(s): Baroncini Liz Andréa V, Pazin Filho Antonio, Murta Junior Luiz O, Martins Antonio R, Ramos Simone G, Cherri Jesualdo, Piccinato Carlos E
Primary Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
To establish the correlation between quantitative analysis based on B-mode ultrasound images of vulnerable carotid plaque and histological examination of the surgically removed plaque.
Conclusion
Videodensitometric computer analysis of scan images may be used to identify vulnerable and potentially unstable lipid-rich carotid plaques.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean gray level was able to distinguish symptomatic and asymptomatic groups (p = 0.04).
- The energy parameter also distinguished the groups (p = 0.02).
- Histological analysis showed a tendency of mean gray level to increase with higher fibrosis percentages.
Takeaway
Doctors can use special ultrasound pictures to see if a carotid plaque is dangerous or not, helping to prevent strokes.
Methodology
Patients underwent carotid endarterectomy and had their plaques analyzed using ultrasound and histological examination.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to subjective analysis of ultrasound images and the small sample size.
Limitations
The small number of patients and the limited area of plaque examined microscopically may have affected the results.
Participant Demographics
25 patients (18 males, 7 females; mean age 67 ± 6.9 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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