Purpose
PURPOSE:To investigate the potential association of increase in IMT with carotid artery disease extension, plaque occurrence and morphology and formation of carotid bifurcation stenosis. INTRODUCTIONThe walls of all arteries consist of three distinct layers.The innermost layer is the intima or epithelial lining of the artery, the middle layer is the media-muscular layer-which gives the artery its stiffness, elasticity and strength and the outer layer is the adventitia, which is composed of loose connective tissue.All three layerscan be recognizedon ultrasound images. Intima and adventitia have the...
Methods and Materials
250 patients 140 females and 110 males referred for color duplex ultrasound were included. Risk factors for cerebrovascular disease were recorded.Measurements of IMT adjacent to the bulb and plaque characterization and classification were realized in long and short-axis images.Colour doppler Ultrasound wasperformed by Aspen Acuson scanner and linear transducer (5-7)MHz.Coefficients of variation and k-statistics were used for assessment of variability in IMT measurements and plaque characterization respectively. Controversy cases underwent SHU 508A contrast agent injection.
Results
Significantly higher IMT values were measured a) in men than in women (p<0,05) b) on the left side compared with the right (p<0,01). Mean IMT measurements showed positive linear relationship with age. We identified plaques in 205 of 280 carotid bulbs and stenosis (>50%) in 60 of them. Echogenic US plaque appearance (121/280) predominated in comparison with echolucent (84/280) and relationship of lumen stenosis with the presence of echolucent plaques (p<0,01) was found. Multiple regression model revealed significantly higher values in patients with plaques at...
Conclusion
We realize a relationship between IMT in CCA and extend of carotid bifurcation atherosclerotic disease. Color doppler ultrasonography is accurate and reproducible for assessment of IMT and detection of carotid plaque morphology and evolution.
References
Risk factors for progression of atherosclerosis measured at multiple sites in the arterial tree: the Rotterdam Study.van der Meer IM, Iglesias del Sol A, Hak AE, Bots ML, Hofman A, Witteman JC.Ludwig M, von Petzinger-Kruthoff A, von Buquoy M, Stumpe KO. Intima media thickness of the carotid arteries: early pointer to arteriosclerosis and therapeutic endpointUltraschall Med. 2003 Jun;24(3):162-74.Zweibel WJ : Introduction to Vascular Ultrasonography W.B.Saunders 2000 p 125-135.Stefan Rosfors, MD, PhD; Staffan Hallerstam, MD; Kerstin Jensen-Urstad, MD, PhD; Maria Zetterling, MD; Christian Carlstrm, MD Relationship...
