5-2 Ultrasonographic findings of arteisosclerotic plaques in the internal carotid artery before carotid endarterectomy

Objection： The purpose of this study is to investigate clinical value of characterization of plaque feature with ultrasonography (US) before carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods： Between 2000 and 2003, CEA ware performed in 41 patients. Twenty seven of 41patients underwent ultarsonographic analysis before CEA. We evaluated plaque features by US, image of 3DCTA (MIP), operative and pathologic findings. Ultrasonographic findings of the plaque were classified to into two subtypes, echogenic or echolusent. Presence of intraplaque hemorrhage and ulcer formation were examined precisely in operation and pathological stady. Result ： Preoperative ultrasonographic analysis and operative findings showed good correlation in detecting intraplaque hemorrhage and ulcer formation But better isualization of intraplaque calcification was obtained by 3DCTA rather than US. Conclusictn ： It is reasonable to examine the patients with arteriosclerotic plaques by ultrasonography before CEA, but was difficult to define every feature of plaques. Combination of US with 3DCTA is recommended to evaluate plaque features in the internal carotid artery before CEA.