Abstract
We tested a novel 3-D matrix transducer with respect to inter-scan reproducibility of carotid maximum plaque thickness (MPT) and volume measurements. To improve reproducibility while focusing on the largest plaque/most diseased part of the carotid artery, we introduced a new partial plaque volume (PPV) measure centered on MPT. Total plaque volume (TPV), PPV from a 10-mm segment and MPT were measured using dedicated semi-automated software on 38 plaques from 26 patients. Inter-scan reproducibility was assessed using the t-test, Bland-Altman plots and Pearson's correlation coefficient. There was a mean difference of 0.01 mm in MPT (limits of agreement: -0.45 to 0.42 mm, Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.96). Both volume measurements exhibited high reproducibility, with PPV being superior (limits of agreement: -35.3 mm3 to 33.5 mm3, Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.96) to TPV (limits of agreement: -88.2 to 61.5 mm3, Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.91). The good reproducibility revealed by the present results encourages future studies on establishing plaque quantification as part of cardiovascular risk assessment and for follow-up of disease progression over time.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Pages (from-to) | 670-676 |
| ISSN | 0301-5629 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2018 |
Keywords
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Carotid Arteries/diagnostic imaging
- Carotid Stenosis/diagnostic imaging
- Female
- Humans
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/diagnostic imaging
- Reproducibility of Results
- Ultrasonography/methods