Abstract
Over the past 20 years, conventional ultrasonography has identified features of the “unstable” carotid plaque. Histological studies have recognized that plaque inflammation and neoangiogenesis play a pivotal role in the developing of the vulnerable plaque. Hence, the growing interest on the biological activities of atherosclerotic lesions leading to cerebrovascular events. The presence of adventitial vasa vasorum and the occurrence of plaque vascularization have been considered as predictors of unstable lesions in cerebrovascular and/or cardiovascular patients. The advent of ultrasound contrast agents has represented a fundamental step in the up-to-date functional evaluation in several fields with minimally invasive procedures. Contrast specific ultrasound modalities are currently used with excellent results in oncology, in cardiology and in vascular diseases. Contrast carotid ultrasound is an emerging imaging technique, able to depict in vivo new functional information on plaque activity and vascularization that may add further new data on the actual condition and future cerebrovascular risk. Further studies will provide a better clarification of the degree of neo-angiogenesis. A future strategy could be represented by the monitoring of plaque neoangiogenesis in order to detect the possible pharmacological effects on plaque remodeling.
Keywords: Plaque angiogenesis, contrast carotid ultrasound, unstable plaque
Current Vascular Pharmacology
Title: Focus on the “Unstable” Carotid Plaque: Detection of Intraplaque Angiogenesis with Contrast Ultrasound. Present State and Future Perspectives
Volume: 7 Issue: 2
Author(s): Maria Fabrizia Giannoni and Edoardo Vicenzini
Affiliation:
Keywords: Plaque angiogenesis, contrast carotid ultrasound, unstable plaque
Abstract: Over the past 20 years, conventional ultrasonography has identified features of the “unstable” carotid plaque. Histological studies have recognized that plaque inflammation and neoangiogenesis play a pivotal role in the developing of the vulnerable plaque. Hence, the growing interest on the biological activities of atherosclerotic lesions leading to cerebrovascular events. The presence of adventitial vasa vasorum and the occurrence of plaque vascularization have been considered as predictors of unstable lesions in cerebrovascular and/or cardiovascular patients. The advent of ultrasound contrast agents has represented a fundamental step in the up-to-date functional evaluation in several fields with minimally invasive procedures. Contrast specific ultrasound modalities are currently used with excellent results in oncology, in cardiology and in vascular diseases. Contrast carotid ultrasound is an emerging imaging technique, able to depict in vivo new functional information on plaque activity and vascularization that may add further new data on the actual condition and future cerebrovascular risk. Further studies will provide a better clarification of the degree of neo-angiogenesis. A future strategy could be represented by the monitoring of plaque neoangiogenesis in order to detect the possible pharmacological effects on plaque remodeling.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Giannoni Fabrizia Maria and Vicenzini Edoardo, Focus on the “Unstable” Carotid Plaque: Detection of Intraplaque Angiogenesis with Contrast Ultrasound. Present State and Future Perspectives, Current Vascular Pharmacology 2009; 7 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016109787455626
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016109787455626 |
Print ISSN 1570-1611 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6212 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Ischemic Cardiovascular Diseases: Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Therapy
Ischemic cardiovascular disease includes myocardial infarction, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, angina pectoris, etc., constitute the leading cause of patient mortality by preventing tissues from getting sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic heart disease, as a clinical condition, is characterized by myocardial ischemia, causing an imbalance between myocardial blood supply and demand, ...read more
TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN CHRONIC AND END STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE
Cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of death in Chronic and End Stage Kidney Disease, accounting for more than half of all deaths in dialysis patients. During the past decade, research has been focused on novel therapeutic agents that might delay or even reverse cardiovascular disease and vascular calcification, ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
The Fibroblast Growth Factor 23: A New Player in the Field of Cardiovascular, Bone and Renal Disease
Current Vascular Pharmacology Hormones and Sarcopenia
Current Pharmaceutical Design Recent Development of Multifunctional Agents as Potential Drug Candidates for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Current Medicinal Chemistry Impact of Diabetes on Vasculature: Focus on Nervous System
Current Diabetes Reviews Adult Neurogenic and Antidepressant Effects of Adiponectin: A Potential Replacement for Exercise
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Aliskiren in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Current Vascular Pharmacology Putting Evidence for Diabetes Care into Practice
Current Diabetes Reviews Nutrition, Brain Aging, and Alzheimers Disease
Current Nutrition & Food Science Benzodiazepines, Amphetamines, Testosterone, and Sildenafil as New Candidate Drugs for Sexual Interest, Desire and/or Arousal Disorder
Current Psychopharmacology Heme Oxygenase: A Target Gene for Anti-Diabetic and Obesity
Current Pharmaceutical Design Covid-19 in Man: A Very Dangerous Affair
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Diagnosis and Management of Endocrine Hypertension in Children and Adolescents
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Role of β-Amyloid Protein in Synaptic Function: Implications for Alzheimers Disease Therapy
Current Neuropharmacology MicroRNAs as Potential Therapeutic Agents in the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction
Current Vascular Pharmacology Glycemic Variability, Oxidative Stress, and Impact on Complications Related to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Current Diabetes Reviews MicroRNAs in Platelet Biogenesis and Function: Implications in Vascular Homeostasis and Inflammation
Current Vascular Pharmacology Epigenetics in the Cerebrovascular System: Changing the Code without Altering the Sequence
Current Neurovascular Research Postprandial Hypertriglyceridaemia Revisited in the Era of Non-Fasting Lipid Profile Testing: A 2019 Expert Panel Statement, Main Text
Current Vascular Pharmacology Antioxidants in the Practice of Medicine; What Should the Clinician Know?
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Editorial (Thematic Issue: Vascular Dysfunction in Obesity and Insulin Resistance)
Current Vascular Pharmacology