Atherosclerotic Plaque Characteristics Associated With a Progression Rate of the Plaque in Carotids and a Risk of Stroke

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of stroke. The aims of the project are to compare the visual and digital analysis of sonographic images of atherosclerotic plaque in carotids in vivo, in vitro and with a histological composition of the plaque obtained from patients indicated to carotid endarterectomy, to compare the characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques and, subsequently to verify a hypothesis that ultrasound can identify the sonographic plaque characteristics associated with an increased risk of plaque progression and of ischemic stroke (unstable plaque) in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Identifying of the sonographic characteristics of unstable plaque will allow to improve indication criteria for carotid endarterectomy or stenting and also potential changing of a drug therapy in patients with unstable plaque in the future. Cost efficiency and availability of duplex ultrasound equipment may enable to improve diagnosis of unstable plaque using this new plaque characteristics evaluation in the majority of patients with carotid plaques. Secondary aim is to evaluate prevalence of carotid web and risk of stroke in patients with atherosclerotic plaque in carotid arteries and healthy population.

Inclusion Criteria: * age 30 - 90 years * sufficient image quality of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid bifurcation and ICA using ultrasound * independency of the patient (0 - 2 points in the modified Rankin scale) * signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * serious disease with a low probability of survival of at least 3 years * other objective obstacles preventing regular 6-month ultrasound scan.