title: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for assessing carotid atherosclerotic plaque lesions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Contrast-enhanced ultrasound that is used to assess atherosclerotic carotid plaques improves visualization of vessel wall irregularities and provides direct visualization of intraplaque neovascularization. This article illustrates the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the assessment of carotid atherosclerotic lesions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a new, noninvasive, and safe procedure for imaging carotid atherosclerotic lesions. It is a valuable tool for evaluating the vulnerable plaque at risk for rupture and for evaluating both the development and severity of systemic atherosclerotic disease.
authors.affiliation: Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Sasan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Partovi
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Loebe
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aschwanden
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Baldi
authors.forename: Kurt A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Jäger
authors.forename: Steven B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Feinstein
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Staub
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media