Spontaneous progression and regression of small carotid atheroma.
A specially designed high-resolution (10 MHz) ultrasound duplex-system was used to study prospectively the appearance of 43 extracranial non-stenotic carotid plaques (less than 30% lumen narrowing) in 31 patients over 18 months. 13 presented with ipsilateral and 9 with contralateral cerebrovascular events; 9 were asymptomatic. Most carotid atheromas remained unchanged (51%) or progressed (30%), but spontaneous regression was seen in 19% at regular 3 monthly re-examination. Regression was restricted to volume reduction of soft plaques and healing of ulcerative lesions; fibrous and hard plaques remained unchanged or progressed. Intraplaque haemorrhage was only observed in 3 instances and was always associated with later progressive encroachment. Comparison of bilateral plaques in the same individual suggested a uniform advance with duration of the atherosclerotic process. None of the patients had cerebrovascular events during follow-up.
Hennerici
M
M
Rautenberg
W
W
Trockel
U
U
Kladetzky
R G
RG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012306:Risk; D014463:Ultrasonography
D008055:Lipids