Abstract
Background : Two-dimensional echo imaging is generally used for diagnosis or screening of carotid artery lesions. We evaluated the usefulness and problems associated with a new 4-dimensional ultrasound system (Voluson 730 Expert) for patients with carotid artery stenosis.
Patients and Methods : The subjects comprised 160 patients with carotid artery stenosis who underwent 4-dimensional ultrasonography of carotid artery lesions. The system automatically constructs 3-dimensional images from multi-slice image information obtained by a 4-dimensional probe. About 10 s is usually required for automatic scanning.
Results : Static and real-time 3-dimensional images obtained using this system showed the total structure of carotid lesions. Distributions of carotid plaque, localization of ulceration, moving plaque or pulsations of the carotid wall were demonstrated more accurately in comparison with 2-dimensional imaging. Static 3-dimensional flow imaging was also used to detect stenosis or ulceration. Real-time 3-dimensional imaging enabled dynamic evaluation of pathology. It may be possible to reduce the duration of echo imaging using this system to screen patients with suspected carotid lesions.
Conclusion : Four-dimensional ultrasonography is useful for accurate diagnosis of patients with carotid stenosis by 3-dimensional demonstration of carotid lesions.
