Visual analysis or semi-automated gray-scale-based color mapping of the carotid plaque: which method correlates the best with the presence of cerebrovascular symptoms and/or lesions on MRI?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To determine the correlation between carotid plaque morphology, assessed by two different ultrasonographic methods, and presence of cerebrovascular events and/or lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Visual analysis of plaque echogenicity using a five-type classification was performed. Further, a semi-automated gray-scale-based color mapping of the whole plaque and of its surface was achieved. RESULTS: There were 31 (35%) symptomatic (23 strokes and 8 transitory ischemic attacks [TIAs]) and 58 (65%) asymptomatic carotid stenoses. MRI lesions related to the carotid stenosis if located in the ipsilateral cortical, subcortical, or watershed area, were present in 27 cases (30%). In a multivariate logistic regression model, degree of stenosis (P= .03) and a predominant red color on the surface (P= .04) were independent factors associated with the presence of cerebrovascular events and/or lesions on MRI. Sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 80% and 63% by combining degree of stenosis and color mapping of plaque surface. CONCLUSION: Degree of stenosis and a predominant red color on plaque surface were independent factors associated with the presence of cerebrovascular events and/or lesions on MRI. No correlation was observed with any particular type of plaque based on visual analysis alone