Carotid Artery Plaque Ulceration: Diagnosis with Ultrasound Contrast Imaging

Carotid Artery Plaque Ulceration: Diagnosis with Ultrasound Contrast Imaging

Ulceration of carotid artery plaque is a serious condition that occurs when necrotic lipid substances are released into the bloodstream following plaque rupture. This rupture creates a depression, typically with a minimum size of approximately 1ￗ1mm, connected to the blood and contrast agent within the carotid artery lumen.

Conventional ultrasound often struggles to clearly visualize these plaque ulcers. However, ultrasound contrast imaging (UCI), specifically contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), offers a significant advantage in identifying these depressions. Literature reports indicate that CEUS can achieve a specificity of up to 92.6% in detecting plaque rupture characterized by ulceration.

Furthermore, 3D ultrasound imaging technology provides a more comprehensive and detailed perspective of the ulceration and any free-floating thrombus present within the plaque. This enhanced visualization allows for better assessment of the severity and potential risks associated with carotid artery plaque ulceration.