The Accuracy of Noninvasive Imaging Techniques in Diagnosis of Carotid Plaque Morphology.
BACKGROUND
The stroke is leading cause of death and severe disability worldwide. Atherosclerosis is responsible for over 30% of all ischemic strokes. It has been recently discovered that plaque morphology may help predict the clinical behavior of carotid atherosclerosis and determine the risk of stroke. The noninvasive imaging techniques have been developed to evaluate the vascular wall in an attempt to identify "vulnerable plaques".


OBJECTIVE
The purpose is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the identification of plaque components associated with plaque vulnerability.


METHODS
One hundred patients were admitted for carotid endarterectomy for high grade carotid stenosis. We defined the diagnostic value of B-mode ultrasound of carotid plaque in a half, and the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, in the other group, for detection of unstable carotid plaque. The reference standard was histology.


RESULTS
Sensitivity of ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is 94%, 83% and 100%, and the specificity is 93%, 73% and 89% for detection of unstable carotid plaque.


CONCLUSIONS
The ultrasound has high accuracy for diagnostics of carotid plaque morphology, magnetic resonance imaging has high potential for tissue differentiation and multidetector computed tomography determines precisely degree of stenosis and presence of ulceration and calcifications. The three noninvasive imaging modalities are complementary for optimal evaluation of the morphology of carotid plaque. This will help to determine the risk of stroke and to decide on the best treatment - carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting.
Clinic of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, MBAL "National Heart Hospital", Sofia, Bulgaria.
Detelina Valchkova
DV
Lukanova
Clinic of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, MBAL "National Heart Hospital", Sofia, Bulgaria.
Nadelin Krasimirov
NK
Nikolov
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, MBAL "National Heart Hospital", Sofia, Bulgaria.
Kameliya Zaharieva
KZ
Genova
Clinic of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, MBAL "National Heart Hospital", Sofia, Bulgaria.
Mario Draganov
MD
Stankev
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, MBAL "National Heart Hospital", Sofia, Bulgaria.
Elisaveta Valcheva
EV
Georgieva
carotid; noninvasive imaging; vulnerable plaque