Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8131326 | Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology | 2018 | 7 Pages |
Abstract
We tested a novel 3-D matrix transducer with respect to inter-scan reproducibility of carotid maximum plaque thickness (MPT) and volume measurements. To improve reproducibility while focusing on the largest plaque/most diseased part of the carotid artery, we introduced a new partial plaque volume (PPV) measure centered on MPT. Total plaque volume (TPV), PPV from a 10-mm segment and MPT were measured using dedicated semi-automated software on 38 plaques from 26 patients. Inter-scan reproducibility was assessed using the t-test, Bland-Altman plots and Pearson's correlation coefficient. There was a mean difference of 0.01âmm in MPT (limits of agreement: â0.45 to 0.42âmm, Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.96). Both volume measurements exhibited high reproducibility, with PPV being superior (limits of agreement: â35.3âmm3 to 33.5âmm3, Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.96) to TPV (limits of agreement: â88.2 to 61.5âmm3, Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.91). The good reproducibility revealed by the present results encourages future studies on establishing plaque quantification as part of cardiovascular risk assessment and for follow-up of disease progression over time.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Physics and Astronomy
Acoustics and Ultrasonics
Authors
Benjamin V. Sandholt, Antoine Collet-Billon, Robert Entrekin, Henrik H. Sillesen,