CEUS for Plaque Assessment: Neovascularization, Ulceration, and Thrombus Detection

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) offers a powerful approach to assess plaque vulnerability by providing detailed visualization of key features. Using CEUS, clinicians can observe:

• Neovascularization within the plaque: CEUS effectively highlights the presence of newly formed blood vessels within a plaque, a significant indicator of plaque instability and risk of rupture.
• Plaque ulceration: CEUS can identify areas of plaque rupture or ulceration, which are prone to thrombosis and subsequent cardiovascular events.
• Floating thrombus within the plaque: The presence of a floating thrombus, a blood clot loosely attached to the plaque, signifies a high risk of embolization and blockage of downstream blood vessels.

By enabling the visualization of these critical aspects, CEUS aids in improved risk stratification for patients with atherosclerotic disease, ultimately contributing to more informed treatment decisions.