[Carotid artery ultrasound and intravascular ultrasound].
Lipid lowering therapy is associated with a significant reduction in cardiocerebral events. But, additional studies are necessary to identify patients in whom atheroma may results in developing coronary events. Intravascular ultrasound(IVUS) and carotid artery echocardiography have significantly contributed to the understanding of nature of atherosclerosis and have validated the concepts of vascular remodeling and vulnerable plaque. Actually, intimal-medial thickness(IMT) in carotid echo is good predictors of cardiovascular events. Positive remodeled plaque with soft characteristics is more likely to rupture and cause acute coronary syndrome. Thus, studies using IVUS and carotid echo may lead to important insights into how risk factor reduction stabilizes plaque and reduces the risk of acute coronary events.
Yokoyama
Takayuki
T
Department of Cardiology, Juntendo University School of Medicine.
Miyauchi
Katsumi
K
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019160:Endosonography; D006801:Humans