ABSTRACT
Purpose To investigate the feasibility to diagnose and evaluate the vulnerability of the atherosclerotic plaque through contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Materials and Methods Thirty-four patients with carotid atherosclerosis were enrolled in the study to take contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and were observed on whether the plaque was enhanced and the features of its enhancement. The peak intensity (PI), time to peak (TTP), and density echo (DE) were calculated according to the time-intensity curve with QLAB software. Results The ratio of enhanced malacoplakia and the mixed plaque showed no difference (χ2=0.847, P>0.05). The percentages of enhanced plaque distributed on the base, tail and the shoulder were 70.0%, 23.3% and 6.7%, respectively with significant difference (χ2=29.100, P the plaque on the base> the plaque on the tail. It was positively correlated between enhanced plaque and its distribution (r=0.404, P0.05). The PI and DE of the ROI in the malacoplakia and the mixed plaques were analyzed by the time-intensity curve and the differences proved to be statistically significant (t=7.497 and 12.224, P<0.05). Conclusion Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography could present the neovessels in the atherosclerotic plaque, which is helpful in evaluating the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque.
ABSTRACT
Purpose To explore the application value of contrast agent in non-vascular channel. Material and Methods Totally 68 patients with drainage tube/stoma were collected in the pattern of real-time contrast enhanced ultrasound. Position, scope and moving of contrast agent in non-vascular channel were observed. Results It was accurately revealed enhanced areas in 68 cases of drainage tube and stoma, including 9 abnormal cases. CEUS implied 3 cases of failed drainage ifrstly, 5 cases of bleeding and 1 case gallbladder stone. It judged the degree and location in 25 PTBD cases and 22 PCN cases. The distance with renal hilum of one parapelvic cyst was measured accurately. Conclusion It is very important in diagnosis and treatment of interventional ultrasound to CEUS, therefore is worthy of wide application.