engleski

Three dimensional ultrasound of carotid plaque ulceration

Our aim was to display plaque ulcers in three-dimensional ultrasound and compare it with color Doppler flow imaging, power Doppler and B mode ultrasound. We examined 3 patients with 6 internal carotid artery stenosis and plaque ulcers. All patients were asymptomatic but had risk factors for stroke. We used conventional 2D ultrasound Aloka Prosound SSD-5500 and linear array transducer. B mode was done, Color Doppler was used for hemodynamic evaluation, power Doppler for precision. 3D data were obtained using the same transducer, freehanded during 10 seconds. The data was postprocessed and 3D reconstruction evaluated. We measured diameter of ulceration, plaque area and plaque volume in all five methods of examination. B mode examination was not found useful. Diameter of the ulceration varied from 2, 2 + ~ to 2, 92 + 1 mm. Plaque area varied from 6, ~2 + 3 to 7, 89 + 1 mm2 and volume estimation in 2D ultrasound varied from 1~, 1 + 3 to 3D calculation of 23 + 1 mm3. 3D ultrasound is a sensitive method for detection of plaque irregularity.

three dimensional ultrasound; ulceration; carotid artery

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