ソナゾイド造影頚動脈超音波検査による頚動脈プラーク内新生血管観察

抄録

Background and purpose : Sonazoid is a new ultrasound contrast agent that is only available for evaluation of liver tumors in Japan. Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS)enables observation of vessel images and perfusion images continuously. Our aim was to evaluate neovascularization within carotid atherosclerotic plaques using CEUS.
Patients and methods : We performed Sonazoid CEUS for 14 patients (16 lesions)with ICA or CCA severe stenoses or occlusions. Nine lesions were symptomatic and the other 7 were asymptomatic. The equipment used was aGE LOGIQ 7 and a 9L probe. CEUS was performed in coded phase inversion mode with MI at 0. 2-O. 3. Sonazoid at 0. 01 ml/kg was injected intravenously as a bolus. From injection up to about 5 min, we observed plaques in the transverse and sagittal views continuously.
Results : In 12 of the 16 plaques. some microbubbles were clearly observed moving from the carotid lumen and adventitial vasa vasorum into the plaques. and the accumulated images enabled visualization of neovascularization in the plaques. Many microbubbles were observed in all symptomatic lesions, whereas none were detected in 4 of 7 asymptomatic lesions.
Conclusion : CEUS allows noninvasive, effective evaluation of neovascularization within carotid plaques.