title: Evaluation of carotid plaque neovascularization using contrast ultrasound.
abstract: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is increasingly used to improve visualization of carotid arteries. However, its reproducibility and utility for clinical research are not well established. The aim of the present study was to assess reproducibility of detection of carotid artery wall neovascularization using CEUS. Complete sequenced CEUS images from 10 individuals were analyzed for the presence of carotid arterial wall neovascularization. The images were acquired using Philips CompactXtreme CX50 ultrasound unit with an L12-3 probe and Bracco SonoVue contrast agent. The carotid wall neovascularization was graded by 2 independent observers with inter-/intraobserver agreement (κ) calculated. Interobserver κ values for intraplaque neovascularization (mean [95% confidence interval]) were 0.67 (0.40-0.94) for the left side. Interobserver κ values for intraplaque neovascularization were 0.65 (0.38-0.92). No study-related complications were observed. The CEUS method although semiquantitative shows moderate-to-strong intra- and interagreement for the results and can be used for clinical research purpose.
authors.affiliation: University of Birmingham Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, City Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Anthony S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Jaipersad
authors.forename: Alena
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shantsila
authors.forename: Stanley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Silverman
authors.forename: Gregory Y H
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Lip
authors.forename: Eduard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Shantsila
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D015588:Observer Variation; D010743:Phospholipids; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D010743:Phospholipids; C420843:contrast agent BR1; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride