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(Stroke. 2007;38:2841.)
© 2007 American Heart Association, Inc.

Research Letters

Detection of Carotid Adventitial Vasa Vasorum and Plaque Vascularization With Ultrasound Cadence Contrast Pulse Sequencing Technique and Echo-Contrast Agent

Edoardo Vicenzini, MD, PhD; Maria Fabrizia Giannoni, MD; Francesco Puccinelli, MD; Maria Chiara Ricciardi, MD; Marta Altieri, MD, PhD; Vittorio Di Piero, MD, PhD; Bruno Gossetti, MD; Fabrizio Benedetti Valentini, MD Gian Luigi Lenzi, MD

From the Department of Neurological Sciences (E.V., F.P., M.C.R., M.A., V.D.P., G.L.L.), and the Department of Vascular Surgery (M.F.G., B.G., F.B.V.), University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy.

Correspondence to Edoardo Vicenzini, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Rome, "La Sapienza", Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy. E-mail edoardo.vicenzini{at}uniroma1.it

Abstract

Background and Purpose— Adventitial vasa vasorum and plaque vascularization have been established as predictors of unstable atheromasic lesions in cerebro- and cardiovascular patients. Ultrasound contrast agents provide reliable information on tissue perfusion and microcirculation. We used contrast ultrasound duplex scanning to identify carotid plaque vascularization.

Methods— Contrast carotid duplex scanning was performed in 23 patients with plaques of different degree of stenosis and echogenicity.

Results— Plaque vascularization was detected in the fibrous and fibro-fatty tissue and not observed in the calcific nor in the necrotic and hemorrhagic tissue. Constantly, a small vessel was observed under ulcerations.

Conclusions— Carotid contrast ultrasound imaging appears to be an emerging technique for identifying plaque angiogenesis. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of plaque angiogenesis for assessing cerebrovascular risk and to monitor effects of therapies aimed to plaque remodelling.

Key Words: carotid atherosclerosis • plaque vascularization • ultrasonography • echo-contrast agents • Cadence CPS technique

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