Evaluation of Vulnerability of Carotid Plaques and Prediction of Cardio-Cerebrovascular Event Using Ultrasonic Imaging

Launched by SHANGHAI GENERAL HOSPITAL, SHANGHAI JIAO TONG UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · Jun 18, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying patients with carotid artery plaques, which are fatty deposits that can build up in the arteries of the neck and may lead to serious health issues like strokes or heart problems. The goal of the study is to develop a model that helps assess how vulnerable these plaques are to causing such events by using various ultrasound imaging techniques, along with patients' medical histories and lab results. Researchers will follow participants for three years to see if there is a link between the characteristics of the plaques and the occurrence of cardiovascular (heart-related) and cerebrovascular (brain-related) events.

Patients who might be eligible for this trial are those over 40 years old who have carotid plaques that are at least 1.5 mm thick and can understand the study's purpose. Participants will undergo several types of ultrasound examinations to evaluate the plaques. However, individuals with severe heart or lung issues, allergies to certain substances used in imaging, pregnant or nursing women, and those who have had certain prior surgeries on their carotid arteries cannot participate. This trial aims to create a tool that doctors can use to better manage and predict risks for patients with carotid artery plaques, ultimately helping to prevent serious health complications.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients who fully understand the purpose and significance of this experiment, voluntarily participate, and voluntarily sign the informed consent form;
• • 2. Patients over 40 years old;
• • 3. Patients with carotid plaque thickness ≥ 1.5 mm on conventional ultrasound, undergoing routine duplex ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, ultrasound elastography, and three-dimensional ultrasound imaging.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients with severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency; allergy to sulfur hexafluoride; pregnant or lactating women; those with advanced tumors;
• • 2. Poor quality of ultrasound images;
• • 3. Patients who have previously undergone carotid artery stenting or endarterectomy on the same side as the carotid plaque.