ULTRASONIC IMAGE-ANALYSIS OF THE ARTERIAL-WALL IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Background. Atherosclerotic carotid artery plaques can be classified o n the basis of their ultrasound appearance according to the pattern of echolucency and echogenicity. The most commonly used classification i s the one described by Gray-Weale who defined 4 plaque types. Methods. The images of the carotid and femoral arteries of 9 healthy volunteer s and 21 non-insulin dependent diabetic patients were analysed. In thi s study 16 atherosclerotic carotid artery plaques were imaged by B-mod e high resolution ultrasonography and then subjected to analysis of th e digitised images. Results. The results show that the plaques could b e separated into 3 groups according to their echogenic properties. Gra y-Weale plaques types 2 and 3 could not be distinguished and it is pro posed that these should be classified as a single group. Conclusions. An increased echogenicity in the intima-media complex of non-insulin d ependent diabetics as well as a relationship with risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease and with the ultrasound score c ould not be determined in this study.