Intraplaque neovascularization (IPNV) is a characteristic feature of the vulnerable plaques. In this study of neovessels of carotid plaques, we assessed intraplaque echogenicity and plaque surface morphology, and performed contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to observe the location and grading of neovessels to identify the vulnerability of plaques. The results showed that plaque with a ruptured fibrous cap on the histopathological images presented as a sunken or fissured surface on corresponding ultrasound images. Both in the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, plaque echogenicity did not correlate with neovessels grading. The neovessels that appeared in the tunica media and base of the plaque in the symptomatic and asymptomatic group on CEUS had no statistical difference (p > 0.05), but those located in the fibrous cap and shoulders had a significant statistical difference (p = 0.000). Statistical differences were not found in the locations of IPNV on CEUS and histopathology (all p > 0.05). The sensitivity (82.4%, 56/68) and specificity (77.4%, 24/31) of IPNV location were higher than those (77.9%, 53/68; 45.2%, 14/31) of IPNV grading in the identification of plaque vulnerability. IPNVs located at the fibrous cap and shoulders on CEUS is a reliable indicator for identifying plaque vulnerability.

中文翻译：

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动脉粥样硬化颈动脉斑块新生血管分布特征研究：对比增强超声与组织病理学比较

斑块内新生血管形成 (IPNV) 是易损斑块的特征。在这项关于颈动脉斑块新血管的研究中，我们评估了斑块内回声和斑块表面形态，并进行了对比增强超声 (CEUS) 观察新血管的位置和分级，以确定斑块的易损性。结果表明，组织病理学图像上纤维帽破裂的斑块在相应的超声图像上表现为凹陷或裂缝表面。在有症状和无症状组中，斑块回声与新血管分级均不相关。CEUS有症状组和无症状组中膜和斑块基底部出现的新生血管差异无统计学意义（p>0.05），但位于纤维帽和肩部的那些有显着的统计差异（p = 0.000）。在 CEUS 和组织病理学上的 IPNV 位置没有发现统计学差异（所有 p > 0.05）。IPNV定位的敏感性（82.4%，56/68）和特异性（77.4%，24/31）均高于IPNV分级对斑块识别的敏感性（77.9%，53/68；45.2%，14/31）脆弱性。位于 CEUS 上纤维帽和肩部的 IPNV 是识别斑块易损性的可靠指标。14/31) 的 IPNV 分级识别斑块脆弱性。位于 CEUS 上纤维帽和肩部的 IPNV 是识别斑块易损性的可靠指标。14/31) 的 IPNV 分级识别斑块脆弱性。位于 CEUS 上纤维帽和肩部的 IPNV 是识别斑块易损性的可靠指标。