Can carotid ultrasound predict plaque histopathology?

AIM: European and North American studies have confirmed the benefits of carotid endarterectomy for patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenoses >70%. However, the management of asymptomatic patients and those with lesser degrees of stenosis is less certain. Several studies have suggested that, for these subgroups, the targeting of potentially unstable plaques, may help to identify those most at risk of cerebrovascular accidents and thus most likely to benefit from surgery. The aim of this study was to correlate the ultrasound features of carotid artery stenosis with the histopathological findings of the carotid endarterectomy specimens in order to identify features which will allow preoperative identification of clinically unstable plaques. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients with symptomatic, critical carotid stenosis were prospectively studied. Plaques were classified preoperatively into one of five types based on their echogenicity and were also assessed for irregularity and ulceration. These findings were then compared with the histopathological findings of the endarterectomy specimen. RESULTS: Of 33 plaques considered on ultrasound to be uniformly or predominantly echolucent (unstable), 27 were found to be largely fatty or haemorrhagic (PPV =82%). Of 17 plaques considered to be predominantly echogenic (stable) on ultrasound, 11 were found to be predominantly fibrotic (PPV = 65%). Correlation between ultrasound irregularity or ulceration and histopathology was poor. CONCLUSION: In routine clinical practice, ultrasound can identify with reasonable accuracy, plaques that are predominantly haemorrhagic or fatty, and therefore potentially unstable. This may have future implications in selection of patients for surgery.

Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms in urology patients referred for ultrasound.

During a 3-year period, all urology patients over the age of 50 years referred for ultrasound investigation of the renal tract, underwent routine examination of the abdominal aorta. A total of 2281 patients were examined (1798 men and 483 women) and an abdominal aortic aneurysm was detected in 57 (2.5%). In men over the age of 65 years, 47 aneurysms were detected (4.9%). The mean time taken to scan the aorta was 43 s. We recommend the routine practice of examining the abdominal aorta in all men over the age of 60 years referred for ultrasound examination of the renal tract.

Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in a hypertensive population.

Two studies were undertaken to estimate the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in a hypertensive population. The initial study screened hypertensive people from three local general practices. In this study 918 patients underwent ultrasound scanning of the abdominal aorta (498 men and 420 women). A total of 24 abdominal aortic aneurysms were identified; 20 in men (4%) and four in women (0.9%). Of these, 11 were > 4 cm in transverse diameter. Following this study, only hypertensive men over the age of 60 years and women over the age of 65 years were screened from a total of 29 general practices. Regular scanning sessions were held at each practice and 1328 patients attended (744 men and 584 women). A total of 43 abdominal aortic aneurysms were detected; 39 in men (5.2%) and four in women (0.7%). Hypertensive men are at increased risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms and should be offered an initial ultrasound scan at 60 years of age. Female hypertensives yield a much lower detection rate and screening hypertensive females would probably be an inappropriate use of available resources.

Internal carotid artery occlusion: its natural history including recanalization and subsequent neurological events.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of recanalization of the occluded internal carotid artery (ICA) and establish its natural history. METHODS: Patients with duplex-confirmed ICA occlusions were identified, and a subgroup offered repeat scanning. The antemortem condition and cause of death of patients who died were recorded. RESULTS: Of 153 patients identified, 77 underwent follow-up at a median of 35 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 14-61).In all, 8 (10.3%) demonstrated recanalization at a median of 53 months (IQR: 35-114). Of 8, 7 underwent carotid endarterectomy with histopathological confirmation of recanalization. Of the 153 patients, 45 (29%) had further neurological events, and 38 (25%) were within the territory of the occluded ICA. In all, 76 patients died, and of the 53 with a confirmed cause of death, 12 (23%) were attributed to a cerebrovascular accident corresponding to the territory of the occluded artery. CONCLUSION: Recanalization of ICA occlusion is common and leads to significant neurological events. Duplex ultrasound follow-up appears mandatory.

Is assessment of popliteal artery diameter in patients undergoing screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms a worthwhile procedure.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess whether screening of popliteal arteries in patients undergoing ultrasound screening of their abdominal aortas was worthwhile. METHODS: All male patients undergoing ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) during the period February 2000 to June 2002 were offered scanning of their popliteal arteries. All scans were performed by a single, trained operator using a Sonosite 180. RESULTS: Four hundred and forty-nine patients underwent screening and thus 898 popliteal arteries were assessed. The mean aortic diameter was 2.1 standard deviations (SD) 0.5 cm and the upper limit of normal (2 SD) was 2.7 cm. The mean diameter of the popliteal arteries was 0.74 SD 0.11 and the upper limit of normal was 0.96 cm. Thirty patients had aortic diameters greater than 2.5 cm (ectatic or aneurysmal aortas) but based on a popliteal diameter of 2 cm, no popliteal aneurysms were detected. However, 39 (4.3%) popliteal arteries measured > or = 1 cm (> mean+2 SD); 3/60 (5%) in the ectatic/AAA subgroup and 36/838 (4.3%) in the non-AAA subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that, using conventional definitions, the imaging of popliteal arteries during screening for AAAs does not detect any popliteal aneurysms and is thus of limited value. However, if a definition of popliteal aneurysm of > or = 1 cm (based on mean+2 SD) is used then 39/898 (4.3%) of arteries would be regarded as having abnormal diameters and may require surveillance.

Are we overusing ultrasound in non-traumatic acute abdominal pain?

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound is being used increasingly in the assessment of acute non-traumatic abdominal pain as it is non-invasive and does not carry the risk of radiation. However, the inappropriate use of ultrasound can lead to a delayed or incorrect diagnosis, more work for the personnel involved, and increased hospital costs. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted to analyse the clinical indications for requesting an ultrasound in those admitted to a district general hospital with acute non-traumatic abdominal pain, and to assess whether there is a correlation between clinical and laboratory findings and ultrasound results. A total of 110 patients were studied during a three month period. RESULTS: The results suggest that ultrasound is useful in the investigation of suspected biliary colic and abdominal masses. However, the yield of ultrasound in other patients with acute non-traumatic abdominal pain is low. This study also suggests that the yield of "positive" reports on ultrasound is significantly higher in patients with localised abdominal pain and tenderness and in those with acute abdominal pain and a raised white cell count or raised liver function tests. The yield of positive reports in patients with acute abdominal pain was found to be lower those less than 25 years of age than in older patients.

Diastematomyelia: prenatal ultrasonic appearances.

Four cases of in-utero diastematomyelia are presented and the ultrasonic features described. Characteristic findings are localised widening of the posterior ossification centres with a central echogenic focus at the point of widening, visible on coronal scanning, and absence of a posterior defect or soft tissue mass on transverse scanning. The aetiology and management of the condition is discussed. The cases illustrate that widening of the posterior ossification centres can occur in the absence of overt spina bifida and the prenatal detection of diastematomyelia will allow for early postnatal investigation and treatment.

Bilateral giant intracavernous carotid aneurysms in a 16-year-old boy.

A case of bilateral, non-mycotic, giant intracavernous carotid aneurysms occurring in a hypertensive 16-year-old boy is reported. The pathogenesis of such aneurysms is discussed.

Balloon or bougie for dilatation of benign esophageal stricture?

Ninety-three adult patients with benign esophageal stricture were randomized to receive balloon or bougie dilatation. Eighty-five patients were eligible for analysis and were followed prospectively for a year. Twenty-four patients required repeat dilatation within a year, but 50 patients completed a year's follow-up without further dilatation. The bougie group initially had a better symptomatic result, experiencing significantly less dysphagia at five months, although this difference had disappeared at one year. Eighteen patients in the balloon group required redilatation for symptoms compared with six in the bougie group. The bougie group had a significantly greater increase in their stricture diameter, and this was still present at one year after dilatation. There was no significant difference in safety or patient acceptability. Balloons are probably more costly to use than bougies. Bougie dilatation is to be preferred to balloon dilatation in adults except in special circumstances.

Balloon or bougie for dilatation of benign oesophageal stricture? An interim report of a randomised controlled trial.

Seventy one patients with benign oesophageal strictures were randomised to receive balloon or bougie dilatation. Sixty five patients were eligible for analysis. At the end of five months the balloon group had significantly more dysphagia and the calibre of the strictures in the balloon group had narrowed by a greater degree. The methods were equally safe and acceptable to patients. While the choice of the method of dilatation depends on the individual patient's needs and operator experience, bougie dilatation is more effective in reducing dysphagia and maintaining stricture patency.