Validation of real-time three-dimensional ultrasonography for carotid atherosclerosis

Objective To explore the value of real-time three-dimensional (RT-3D) ultrasonography in quantitative and qualitative diagnosis of carotid atherosclerosis. Methods Twenty-two patients with carotid atherosclerosis were examined by the RT-3D ultrasonography and the two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonography. The area and the volume of plaques were calculated. Results 2D and RT-3D ultrasonography could display the location, structure and shape of the carotid atherosclerotic plaque. RT-3D ultrasonography could reveal the sterotic structure of the plaque, and display the posterior structure of the calcific plaque which could not be revealed clearly by 2D ultrasonography. The maximal areas of plaques derived from RT-3D ultrasonography and 2D were (0.34±0.16) cm2 and (0.19±0.12) cm2 respectively (P0.01). There was a high correlation between the maximal areas of plaques by 2D and by RT-3D ultrasonography (r2 =0.65,P0.01). In addition, RT-3D ultrasonography could measure the volume of plaque (0.18±0.11) cm3. Conclusion RT-3D ultrasonography provides a new method in quantitative and qualitative diagnosis of carotid atherosclerosis.