Evaluation of Intraplaque Neovascularization Using Superb Microvascular Imaging and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases : the Official Journal of National Stroke Association
Kazumasa OuraYasuo Terayama

Abstract

Several studies have shown a linkage between intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) and plaque instability. Although contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) may help visualize IPN in the carotid artery, its benefits are limited in Japan, where there is no health insurance coverage for contrast agents in medical imaging. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI), however, enables the depiction of low-velocity blood flow. The current study compares the diagnostic accuracy of SMI and CEUS in the evaluation of IPN. The SMI and CEUS video images were transferred to a workstation and then analyzed to determine whether intraplaque blood flow signals were detected with SMI and whether plaques were contrast-enhanced with carotid artery CEUS. The images generated were independently interpreted by 2 radiologic technologists and 1 neurologist. Intraplaque enhancement was observed in 19 patients using CEUS while intraplaque blood flow signals were observed in 12 patients using SMI. A 100% specificity was recorded for SMI (all 12 patients with SMI-detected intraplaque blood flow showed contrast-enhanced plaques), while its sensitivity was 63% (8 of the 15 patients with no SMI-detected intraplaque blood flow showed contrast-enhanced plaques on CEUS)....Continue Reading

Citations

Apr 7, 2019·Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine : Official Journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine·Zhen-Zhen JiangXia-Tian Liu
Sep 13, 2019·Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation·Mahtab ZamaniMona Skjelland
Feb 12, 2020·Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy·Chrysi BogiatziJ David Spence
Mar 6, 2019·Journal of Nuclear Cardiology : Official Publication of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology·Shinichiro ItoYoshihiro Fukumoto
Jan 22, 2021·Atherosclerosis·Laura E MantellaAmer M Johri
Feb 16, 2021·Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine : Official Journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine·Yi SongLewis Oscar Felix
May 31, 2020·Radiologic Clinics of North America·Lori Mankowski Gettle, Margarita V Revzin

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