Imaging of carotid plaque angiogenesis.
Currently, characterization of the vulnerable plaque is a hot research topic as a more adequate strategy for preventing cerebrovascular events is being sought. Histological studies have recognized that plaque inflammation and the presence of adventitial vasa vasorum, intimal angiogenesis and plaque neovascularization are strong predictors of instability in atheromatous lesions of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular patients. The in vivo study of these features has been the focus of development of several new radiological imaging methods. Carotid ultrasound, with ultrasound contrast agents, is not only able to provide an enhanced assessment of the arterial lumen and plaque morphology with an improved resolution of the carotid intima-media thickness, but also to directly visualize adventitial vasa vasorum and plaque neovascularization. This technique and its future clinical implications are discussed in the present review.
Vicenzini
Edoardo
E
Department of Neurological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. edoardo.vicenzini@uniroma1.it
Giannoni
Maria Fabrizia
MF
Benedetti-Valentini
Fabrizio
F
Lenzi
Gian Luigi
GL
D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D045423:Microbubbles; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods
D003287:Contrast Media