Utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the assessment of the carotid artery wall in patients with Takayasu or giant cell arteritis

• Published in: European heart journal cardiovascular imaging 2014-05, Vol.15 (5), p.541-546
• Main Authors: Schinkel, Arend F L, van den Oord, Stijn C H, van der Steen, Antonius F W, van Laar, Jan A M, Sijbrands, Eric J G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Carotid Arteries - diagnostic imaging; Carotid Arteries - pathology; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Contrast Media; Female; Giant Cell Arteritis - diagnostic imaging; Giant Cell Arteritis - pathology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Takayasu Arteritis - diagnostic imaging; Takayasu Arteritis - pathology
• ISSN: 2047-2404; 2047-2412
• DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jet243

Carotid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was recently proposed for the evaluation of large-vessel vasculitides (LVV), particularly to assess vascularization within the vessel wall. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the potential of carotid colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and CEUS in patients with LVV. This prospective study included seven patients (mean age 48 ± 14 years, all females) with established LVV (Takayasu arteritis or giant cell arteritis). All patients underwent CDUS and CEUS (14 carotid arteries). Intima-media thickness, lumen diameter, Doppler velocities, vessel wall thickening, and lesion thickness were assessed. CEUS was used to improve visualization of the lumen-to-vessel wall border, and to visualize carotid wall vascularization. Four (57%) patients [7 (50%) carotid arteries] exhibited lesions, and the average lesion thickness was 2.0 ± 0.5 mm. According to the Doppler peak systolic velocity, 5 (35%) carotid arteries had a