CONTRAST ENHANCED ULTRASOUND (CEUS) IN PATIENTS WITH ICA STENOSES AND PREDOMINANTLY SOFT PLAQUES: FIRST RESULTS

Problemstellung: To investigate if the use of US contrast agent adds relevant informations in pts with symptomatic ICA Methoden: 32 carotid arteries in 28 pts had a basic US exam including B-Flow. All pts had neurological symptoms, ischemic brain lesions or were examined prior to heart surgery. Mean age: 70.6±10.1yrs, 82% males, 70% were on statin, 83% on ACE medication, all pts had a history of hypertension. 4 had suspected ICA occlusions. CEUS was performed in a low MI coded phase inversion mode (7MHz probe, LOGIQ 9, GE Healthcare, USA). Contrast agent: Optison™ (Amersham, GE Healthcare). 1mL bolus was injecte…