3D Ultrasound in Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Volume Assessment: Values of Semiautomatic Quantitative Analysis

Aim of the study - to assess the value of semiautomatic quantitative analysis in carotid atherosclerotic plaque volume estimation with the help of 3D ultrasound. 40 patients (7 women and 33 men) were included in to the study. All patients were with high risk of cardiovascular diseases and under the treatment of rosuvastatin (40 mg per day) for 3 months. Age of patients varied between 51 and 70 years old. Ultrasound examination was performed using iU 22 scanner (Philips, Nederland) equipped with linear (L9-3) and volume linear (VL13-5) probes. 3D images of 70 atherosclerotic plaques were analyzed before and after 3 months therapy. Statistical analysis showed good intraobserver reproducibility of semiautomatic quantitative analysis in assessment of atherosclerotic plaques 3D images. Coefficient of variation was 3.1%, Spearman correlation coefficient - 0.99 (P = 0.000). Atherosclerotic plaques volume decreased significantly in 3 months of the hypolipidemic therapy: before the treatment - 85.0 (54.8-195.5) (5.0-1 720.0) mm ³, after the treatment - 83.5 (56.0-192.0) (5.0-1 716.0) mm ³ (P = 0.045). Volume decreased in 21 cases: 81.0 (69.0-197.0) (14.0-1 720.0) mm ³ and 77.0 (60.0-194.0) (11.0-1 716.0) mm ³ (P < 0.001). There were not any changes in 11 cases: 74.0 (19.0-127.5) (5.0-678.0) mm ³ and 74.0 (19.0-127.5) (5.0-678.0) mm ³. Volume increased in 8 cases: 146.5 (75.8-171.5) (48.0-284.0 mm ³ and 155.5 (79.3-197.3) (55.0-321.0) mm ³ (P = 0.012). Semiautomatic quantitative analysis of 3D images is the perspective method which can be used in clinical practice for the assessment of atherosclerotic plaques quantitative characteristics and atherosclerotic process dynamics in the high risk group.

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