Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaques: Multimodality Imaging with Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

INTRODUCTION: The imaging of carotid plaques has undergone a paradigm shift increasing importance being given to plaque characterization. Patients with “vulnerable” plaques are more prone to develop future neurovascular events. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the role of multimodality imaging techniques in the assessment of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients underwent multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography, ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the carotid arteries with special emphasis on the carotid bifurcation. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 65.41 years. Twenty-one were males. Plaque neovascularization was seen in 10 of the 18 plaques studied (55.56%). Based on the predominant components of the plaque, plaques were characterized as lipid (3), lipid with recent hemorrhage (1), fibrous (7), fibrofatty (4), fibrofatty with some hemorrhagic components (3), and recent hemorrhage (2). CONCLUSIONS: Together, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, CT, and MRI provide complete information about the plaque characteristics.