To explore the value of real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluating the stability of ca-rotid artery plaques.
Methods:
In this study
carotid artery plaques with different echo intensity were examined by CEUS to observe the enhancement degree and characteristics of new blood vessels in the plaques.
Results:
Neovascularization in hypoechoic or mixed echo plaques was higher than that in isoechoic or hyperechoic plaques
and the degree of late enhancement was significantly en-hanced
with statistically significant differences (
P
<0.05). There were significantly more shoulder-to-center enhancement than base-to-center enhancement.
Conclusion:
The e
nhancement degree and enhancement characteristics of new blood vessels in the plaques can better evaluate the stability of the plaques and thus predict the risk of stroke.