Carotid plaque composition by CT angiography in asymptomatic subjects: a head-to-head comparison to ultrasound

ConclusionThe occurrence of carotid plaques in asymptomatic individuals is underestimated by ultrasound compared to plaque assessment by CTA. Carotid plaque composition by CTA is different in individuals with and without carotid plaques by ultrasound.Key Points•The occurrence of carotid plaques by ultrasound was underestimated in 46% of participants who had plaques by carotid CTA.•Participants with carotid plaques by ultrasound had higher volumes of all plaque subtypes and a higher calcified plaque component as determined by carotid CTA compared to participants without carotid plaques by ultrasound.•A high carotid total plaque volume was independently associated with age, intima-media thickness, and D-dimer.
Source: European Radiology - Category: Radiology Source Type: research