Inter‐Rater Reliability of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Quantification by 3‐Dimensional Sonography

Abstract

In our study, the agreement between 2 examiners in the evaluation of 2D and 3D sonographic parameters related to plaque stability was good to excellent. The sonographic measurement of plaque volume growth was the most accurate parameter; therefore, 3D sonography may be used for risk assessment of plaques in the future.

Bedside screening with the use of pocket‐size imaging device can be useful for ruling out carotid artery stenosis in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery

“…This imaging modality in the hands of an experienced investigator allows for a reliable estimation of the degree of stenosis, as well as for assessment of plaque morphology. High inter‐examiner reproducibility was also confirmed . Sensitivity of carotid ultrasound examination in the detection of CAS exceeding 70% of the artery lumen is estimated between 86% and 90%, with a specificity ranging from 87% to 94% .…”

“…This imaging modality in the hands of an experienced investigator allows for a reliable estimation of the degree of stenosis, as well as for assessment of plaque morphology. High inter-examiner reproducibility was also confirmed 19.…”

A Critical Evaluation of the Clinical Evidence for Pomegranate Preparations in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

“…For example, atherosclerotic plaques should be assessed using a three‐dimensional sonography. There was excellent agreement between the two examiners in evaluating two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional sonographic parameters related to plaque: the investigators manually determine the edges of the plaque in each image, and the total plaque volume is then calculated after the computerized transformation of the two‐dimensional images into a three‐dimension al format (Bar et al , ). Third , future trials should be planned so as to achieve adequate power to detect a clinically relevant difference in the chosen endpoint. Therefore, a priori power analyses are an obligatory part of the planning of any trial that purports to be confirmatory.…”

“…For example, atherosclerotic plaques should be assessed using a three-dimensional sonography. There was excellent agreement between the two examiners in evaluating two-dimensional and threedimensional sonographic parameters related to plaque: the investigators manually determine the edges of the plaque in each image, and the total plaque volume is then calculated after the computerized transformation of the two-dimensional images into a three-dimension al format (Bar et al, 2014).…”

Haptoglobin 1-1 is Associated with Larger Carotid Plaque Volume Among Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes: The IDCD Study.

“…Recent ultrasound developments have allowed to investigate carotid plaque volume with high reliability and repeatability 11,12 . Carotid plaque volume was demonstrated as a superior marker compared to cIMT and to carotid plaque area for prediction of CVD 13 and cardiovascular events 14,15 .…”