30 November 1999
Computer-assisted characterisation of a carotid plaque
Aleksander Falkowski, Mariusz Kaczmarczyk, Andrzej Ciechanowicz, Iwona Gorący, Wojciech Poncyljusz, Grażyna WilkMed Sci Monit 2004; 10(3): 67-70 :: ID: 878555
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to attempt an objective assessment of carotid plaque echogenicity by means of computer-aided technique and to determine the association between the echogenicity and the incidence of brain infarctions.
Material and Methods: 54 carotid plaques causing internal carotid artery stenosis within the range of 60–99% constituted the material for our studies. The images of the plaques obtained by means of USG were transferred to, and saved on the computer. Using image analysis software, a histogram of each plaque was obtained. The grey scale median (GSM range 0–255) for each histogram, which was used as a measure of plaque echogenicity, was determined. The value of GSM was assessed in patients who suffered from brain infarctions in the area of the stenosed artery and in patients without infarctions.
Results: The grey scale median associated with cerebral infarction was nearly two times lower in comparison with GSM of plaques found in patients without infarction. Among 30 plaques with GSM >35, only 5.5% were connected with brain infarction, and 27.8% of the 24 plaques with GSM <35 were associated with brain infarction.
No correlation with cerebral infarction was found for 50% of the plaques with GSM >35 and 16.7% of the plaques with GSM <35.
Conclusions: The use of computer-aided method allows assessment of carotid plaque echogenicity and can be used for clinical studies aimed at evaluation of the correlation between carotid plaque type and a risk of ischemic stroke.
Keywords: usg, carotid plaque, grey scale median, brain infarction, Blood Flow Velocity, Brain Infarction - ultrasonography, Carotid Artery, Internal - ultrasonography, Carotid Stenosis - ultrasonography, Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted - methods, Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted, Risk Factors
Editorial
01 April 2025 : Editorial
Editorial: Rapid Testing for the Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus is Urgently Required as Infections in Poultry and Dairy Cows are on the Rise, and so is Transmission to HumansDOI: 10.12659/MSM.949109
Med Sci Monit 2025; 31:e949109
In Press
Clinical Research
Longitudinal Evaluation of Metabolic Benefits of Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccination in Diabetic Patients in T...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.947450
Clinical Research
Impact of Voltage Level on Hospitalization and Mortality in Electrical Injury Cases: A Retrospective Analys...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.947675
Clinical Research
Comparative Study of Plantar Load and Foot Posture Characteristics in Male Elite Squash Players and Non-Ath...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.947828
Clinical Research
Dental Students’ Opinions on Use of Artificial Intelligence: A Survey StudyMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.947658
Most Viewed Current Articles
17 Jan 2024 : Review article 8,071,874
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research 702,992
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
01 Mar 2024 : Editorial 30,169
Editorial: First Regulatory Approvals for CRISPR-Cas9 Therapeutic Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and ...DOI :10.12659/MSM.944204
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944204
28 Jan 2024 : Review article 24,060
A Review of IgA Vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein Purpura) Past, Present, and FutureDOI :10.12659/MSM.943912
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e943912