Table 2 Characteristics of carotid plaques.

From: Relation between characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaques and brain white matter hyperintensities in asymptomatic patients

Carotid Ultrasound Characteristics

N = 67

Main plaque side

Left, n (%)

27 (40)

Main plaque characteristics

Degree of stenosis (Doppler), n(%)

 <50%

40 (60)

 50–70%

27 (40)

ECST (%)

51 ± 11

Grey scale, n (%)

Lipid-rich plaques (I–II), n(%)

23 (34)

Fibro-calcific plaques (III–V), n(%)

44 (66)

CEUS+, n (%)*

29 (47)

Atherosclerotic burden evaluation

CC-IMT (mm)

0.82 (0.75–1.01)

TPA (cm2)

0.80 (0.59–1.18)

Number of segments with plaque

4 (3–5)

Number of CEUS+ plaques*

1 (0–2)

Controlateral plaque > 40%, n(%)

38 (57)

Carotid CT Angiography

N = 62

Main plaque characteristics

NASCET area, %

30 (10–40)

ECST area, %

55 (40–70)

Density, HU

302 (116–560)

Length, mm

16.9 (11.2–24.5)

Volume, mm3

125 (74–206)

Positive remodeling

0.5 (0.38–0.68)

Presence of ulcer, n(%)

9 (15)

Presence of luminal micro-calcification, n(%)

24 (39)

Plaque burden

Total Plaque volume, mm3

300 (168–533)

  1. ECST, European Carotid Surgery Trial; CEUS, contrast enhanced ultrasound; CC-IMT, common carotid intima media thickness; TPA = total plaque area; NASCET, North America Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial; HU = Hounsfield Units. *Patients who underwent CEUS n = 62.
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