Figure 3

Two-dimensional ultrasound and contrast ultrasound images of the carotid before and after contrast injection. Two-dimensional ultrasound image of the carotid artery clearly shows the adventitia interface and lumen (A). The carotid artery lumen was dark before contrast injection, and the outer membrane is clearly visible as indicated by the yellow arrows (B). The carotid lumen became immediately visible, and the adventitial also showed enhanced signal after contrast injection, as indicated by the yellow arrows (C). There was a small plaque on the wall of the deep region as indicated by the blue arrows (D). The carotid artery lumen was dark before contrast injection (E). The plaque was a little filling defect, and the outer membrane was visible with more adventitial contrast as indicated by the arrows (F). There was a large mixed echo plaque almost filling the lumen (G). Before injection of contrast, the carotid artery lumen was dark (H). After contrast injection, the outer membrane was obviously enhanced and much more adventitial contrast was visible. There is contrast enhancement inside the plaque as indicated by the yellow arrows (I).