An Assessment Of The Vulnerability Of Carotid Plaques Using Superb Micro-vascular Ultrasound Imaging And Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective: The assessment of the stability of atherosclerotic plaques is an important part in cerebrovascular disease research.In this study,the stability of carotid artery plaques are assessed by superb micro-vascular ultrasound imaging(SMI)and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(CE-MRI),and analysis the risk factors related to the vulnerable plaques.Method: Patients were recruited from clinics and wards of neurology department,who were found at least one carotid artery plaque thicker than 2.5mm or longer than10 mm,then took the examination of superb micro-vascular ultrasound imaging(SMI)or contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(CE-MRI).All the baseline information and results of examination were recorded.Results: There were 21 patients who took the examination of SMI.It was found that the history of cerebral infarction,higher level of CRP and fibrinogen were risk factors of intra-plaque neovascularization(p<0.05).58 plaques were found in the 21 patients,and it was found that the formation of microvessels in the plaques was associated with the character of echo,the degree of vessel stenosis and the length of the plaques(p < 0.05).There was good consistencies between SMI and CEUS(Kappa=0.743,p=0.000).There were 17 patients who took the examination of CE-MRI.Compared to the level of fibrinogen,there was significantly differences between the stable plaque group and the vulnerable plaque group(p<0.05)The more serve degree of stenosis,the higher rate of vulnerable plaque was found(p<0.05).Conclusion: The history of cerebral infarction,higher level of CRP and fibrinogen were risk factors of vulnerable plaques.Vulnerable plaques were associated with the degree of vessel stenosis.SMI and CE-MRI can make an assessment for the vulnerability of carotid plaques.