RESUMO
Objective:To investigate the value of superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) in evaluating carotid neovascularization in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA).Methods:SMI was used to analyze the wall thickness and neovascularization in a total of 38 common carotid arteries in 23 patients with TA diagnosed in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, and the results were compared with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).Results:SMI could clearly show the thickening wall of the common carotid artery in TA patients, and could show very tiny blood flow channels in the thickening wall. Neovascularization was detected in a total of 34 common carotid arteries by SMI, 23 of which showed 1 point of score with scattered low-velocity blood flow and the rest of which showed 2 points of score with diffused spots or strips with low-velocity blood flow. Correspondingly, neovascularization was detected in a total of 34 common carotid artery by CEUS, 22 of which showed 1 point of score and the rest of which showed 2 points of score. The scores of the two groups were consistent ( Kappa=0.641, P<0.01). Conclusions:SMI can be used as one of the important screening methods for neovascularization assessment in thickened carotid wall in patients with TA, which shows potential application value in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for TA patients.