Carotid plaque neoangiogenesis: Correlation of contrast enhanced ultrasound and echogenicity to MRI black blood sequences

Background and purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate whether neovascularisation of the carotid plaque assessed by visual analysis of contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUS) correlates to hyperintensity signals in MRI black blood sequences. We further investigated correlation to echogenicity features of the plaque. Methods and results: Patients with > 50% symptomatic or > 60% asymptomatic stenoses were included. Ultrasound and MRI examination was carried out in every patient and included assessment of degree of stenosis, measurement of echogenicity and contrast enhanced imaging using a cadence CPS pro…