Carotid plaque morphometric assessment with three-dimensional ultrasound imaging.

Objective: As investigations into nonsurgical treatment for atherosclerosis expand, the measurement of plaque regression and progression has become an important end point to evaluate. Measurements of three-dimensional (3D) plaque volume are more reliable and sensitive to change than are traditional estimates of stenosis severity or cross-sectional area. 3D ultrasound (3D US) imaging may allow monitoring of plaque volume changes but has not been used routinely due to the cumbersome motorized units required to drive transducers.

Investigation of cerebral hemodynamics and collateralization in asymptomatic carotid stenoses.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death in the world, and one of the major causes of disability. Approximately 30% of ischemic strokes are due to plaque rupture in the carotid arteries. The most popular diagnostic method uses Doppler ultrasound to find the percent stenosis.