Comparison of three-dimensional ultrasonography and two-dimensional ultrasonography in elderly patients with carotid atherosclerosis

AIM: To evaluate the characteristics and clinical value of three dimensional color Doppler imaging in elderly patients with carotid atherosclerosis by comparing it with two dimensional ultrasonic imaging. METHODS: Forty elderly patients with carotid atherosclerosis, aged from 60 to 82 years and confirmed to have one or more atheromatous plaques by two dimensional ultrasonography, were examined. The instruments used included Acuson X/P 128 color Doppler ultrasonography diagnosis system with L5/7 MHz linear array transducer and TomTec three dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography system (Echoscan 4.2). The free hand mode of acquiring imaging was employed. The process of scanning included sector scanning along arterial long axis and parallel scanning along arterial short axis. The three dimensional reconstructions and displays of carotid artery were conducted off line. RESULTS: The three dimensional examinations of all patients were conducted successfully. The three dimensional reconstruction images of carotid artery displayed stereo structure of common carotid artery, internal carotid artery and external carotid artery continuously and completely, and showed the stereo shape, surface character and exact position of plaque, volume of vessel, and spatial distribution of blood flow in a way of direct perception. CONCLUSION: Commpared with the two dimension ultrasonography, the three dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography of elder patients with carotid atherosclerosis is more intuitionistic of the pathological changes, more exhaustive of the pathological characteristics and more accurate in the pathological evaluation.