Plaque Elasticity and Intraplaque Neovascularisation on Carotid Artery Ultrasound: A Comparative Histological Study

ObjectivePlaque elasticity and intraplaque neovascularisation are strongly suggestive of vulnerable plaque. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between plaque elasticity, compare ultrasound findings with histopathological changes.MethodsPatients enrolled in this presented symptomatic carotid stenosis (> 70%) later underwent both pre-operative ultrasonography endarterectomy. Contrast enhanced (CEUS) shear wave elastography (SWE) were used measure plaque, respectively. After removal, plaques histologically assessed determine microvessel density (MVD), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression, type I/type III collagen ratio using immunohistochemistry staining morphometry. A correlation analysis was establish among aforementioned quantitative parameters. Inter- intra-observer consistency evaluations performed intraclass coefficient Bland–Altman plots.ResultsNinety-four patients 98 included. The area under curve (AUC) detected CEUS correlated its velocity (SWV) (r = –.714; p < .001), MVD .842; I/III –.833; MMP-9 .738; .001). SWE positively .805; overall interexaminer acceptable .638; interobserver AUC, time peak (TP), mean transit (MTT), SWV .719, .756, .733, .686, variability values TP, MTT, .826, .845, .633, .748, respectively.ConclusionSWE can comprehensively evaluate vulnerability by assessing within it. negative further validated histological findings, suggests that more abundant neovascularisation, less elasticity. Plaque changes. Patients plots. Ninety-four