Abstract
Carotid atherosclerotic plaques have a three-dimensional shape on initial detection and progress in their contour and size in all three directions over time. To estimate the plaque volume, we measured circumferential (cp) and sagittal (lp) length, and mean of luminally protruding thickness (tmean) from axial and sagittal carotid duplex ultrasonography (CDU) images of the carotid plaques. Then, we calculated plaque volume using the hemi-ellipsoid volume formula (π[cp × lp × tmean]/6) with the three axis values. We logically validated that the hemi-ellipsoid volume formula could be applied to estimate the volume of all plaques with smooth or irregular thicknesses and involving the partial or entire axial lumen. The hemi-ellipsoid volume evaluations were a better tool to assess severity and atherosclerotic burden of carotid atherosclerotic plaques on follow-up than one-dimensional diameter ([1-{stenosis/lumen diameter}] × 100%) and two-dimensional area stenosis ([1-{stenosis/lumen area}] × 100%) evaluations. The present study showed successful implementation of the hemi-ellipsoid volume formula to logically measure plaque volume. The logical volume estimation was better for evaluating and monitoring the severity and atherosclerotic burden of carotid plaques.
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The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Acknowledgements
We wish to thank Dr. Chul Kim, who provided many directions and advice to implement the hemi-ellipsoid volume formula for plaque volume measurement.
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JK was the principal investigator of this study, participated in the conception, design, and analysis of the study, interpretation of data, drafting the manuscript. TJ performed modeling and actual volume measurement of the three-dimensional plaque objects having irregular geometry. JYK conceived the study, participated in the study design and drafting of the manuscript, and performed the statistical analysis and interpretation. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Kim, J., Jeong, T. & Kim, J. Hemi-ellipsoid formula enables accurate assessment of carotid plaque volume and atherosclerotic burden. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35182-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35182-5
