Grayscale Analysis of Carotid Plaque: An Overview

This article serves as a brief overview to share how B-mode ultrasound imaging of the carotid artery is used in research studies to examine grayscale features of carotid plaques that are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and adverse events such as transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, and myocardial infarction. Grayscale features that are associated with unstable plaques (plaques at highest risk for rupture and sequela for CVD events) are low grayscale median value,1-3 black areas near the lumen surface of the plaque, and the presence of discrete white areas (DWAs) within the plaque (see Figure  1).
Source: Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: American Society of Echocardiography News Source Type: research