Ultrasonic image analysis of the arterial wall in atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic carotid artery plaques can be classified on the basis of their ultrasound appearance according to the pattern of echolucency and echogenicity. The most commonly used classification is the one described by Gray-Weale who defined 4 plaque types.

METHODS

The images of the carotid and femoral arteries of 9 healthy volunteers and 21 non-insulin dependent diabetic patients were analysed. In this study 16 atherosclerotic carotid artery plaques were imaged by B-mode high resolution ultrasonography and then subjected to analysis of the digitised images.

RESULTS

The results show that the plaques could be separated into 3 groups according to their echogenic properties. Gray-Weale plaques types 2 and 3 could not be distinguished and it is proposed that these should be classified as a single group.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased echogenicity in the intima-media complex of non-insulin dependent diabetics as well as a relationship with risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease and with the ultrasound score could not be determined in this study.