Analysis of atherosclerotic plaque geometry and wall motion in carotid arteries using 4 D B - mode ultrasound and high resolution magnetic resonance angiography

ough significant progress has been made iagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic ,tid artery disease, it still remains a major ogy of stroke, one of the leading causes Iorbitity and mortality in developed counNumerous experimental studies have ’ided convincing evidence that hemodyice play a role as a localizing factor for rosclerotic lesions, presumably reflecting response of the vessel wall to the adjaflow field (2,10,17). Indeed it is known such lesions are associated with areas of shear and recirculation, conditions which found on the non-divider wall in the ceartery bifurcation, the predominant Iocaof plaques (21). Studies on the natural )ry of carotid artery disease have shown not all plaques are progressive, but that e remain stationary while others regress This suggests that actual plaque geomelay influence hemodynamic conditions reI to further plaque development, the rmination of which may provide prognosnformation for individual patients. It is )fore not surprising that there has been increasing interest in 3D plaque nstruction.