Accuracy of a novel risk index combining degree of stenosis of the carotid artery and plaque surface echogenicity.

Background And Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of a risk index in symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenoses.

Methods: Consecutive patients presenting 50% to 99% carotid stenoses were included. A semiautomated gray scale-based color mapping (red, yellow, and green) of the whole plaque and of its surface was achieved.