Microvascular flow imaging (MVFI) is an ultrasound imaging technique that can be used to clearly visualize microvascularization or low-velocity blood flow without contrast agents. Here, we report a case in which MVFI was useful for diagnosing plaque protrusion after carotid artery stenting (CAS). A 78-year-old man underwent CAS for severe stenosis of left carotid artery with vulnerable plaque. Twelve months after CAS, a protruding structure was observed in the stent on carotid ultrasonography. Although the thrombus and plaque protrusion could not be differentiated using B-mode or color Doppler imaging, MVFI enabled the diagnosis of plaque protrusion. MVFI is useful for diagnosing plaque protrusion after CAS, which is difficult to detect using B-mode or color Doppler imaging.
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