3D/4D Ultrasound Contrast Enhanced Imaging (CEUS) for Carotid Plaque Vulnerability

3D/4D Ultrasound Contrast Enhanced Imaging (CEUS) for Carotid Plaque Vulnerability

Contrast enhanced 3D/4D (3 dimension/4 dimension) ultrasound (CEUS) provides visualization of the dynamic vascular features of the plaques, in a unique spatial format using three orthogonal planes and angiogram-like images. Therefore, the observer can utilize the entire vascular system in a volumetric manner (3D). The rotation of the intra-plaque neovasculature as viewed in various angles provides a realistic representation that is more easily appreciated. Inter-observer variability for individual plaques has been assessed and inter-observer variability and inter-scan variability (the analysis of multiple images from single patients in longitudinal studies) were dependent on plaque size, with larger plaques showing lower variability. Therefore, the proposed 3D/4D vs. 2D CEUS imaging of the carotid plaque will provide added value for the depiction of the and quantification of intra-plaque blood vessel density by providing a true volumetric viewing area. This data will be correlated to the subsequent surgical specimens. The goal of the protocol is to investigate the correlation of intra-plaque blood vessel density and hemorrhage to 3D/4D CEUS vasa vasorum using quantitative software analyses. The histology methods used for quantification of hemorrhage and vessel density analyses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult subjects with known carotid artery disease will be included.
• Subject must be able and willing to comply with study procedures and provide a signed and dated informed consent including consent for 3 year annual follow up.
• Subjects will be screened by asking each study subject if they have known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the components of Optison, blood, blood products of albumin. In addition, each study subject will be asked if they have a right to left or bi-directional or transient right to left cardiac shunts. If any of the above questions are answered in the positive, the patient will not be eligible for inclusion in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Female subjects of child bearing potential will be excluded.
• The subject presents any clinically active, serious, life-threatening disease, with a life expectancy of less than 1 month or where study participation may compromise the management of the subject or other reason that in the judgment of the investigator makes the subject unsuitable for participation in the study.
• History of acute occlusion requiring medical intervention of any artery (including aorta) within 6 months of consent.
• Has a known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the components of Optison, blood, blood products, or albumin.
• Has known right to left, bi-directional or transient right to left cardiac shunts.
• Any known contra-indications as listed on the current Optison package insert.