Ultrasonic Tissue Characterization of the Atherosclerotic Carotid Artery-Histological Correlates of Carotid Integrated Backscatter-

35 patients with carotid stenosis of 75% or greater on cerebral angiogram who underwent carotid endarterectomy, with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack within the past 3 months (mean age 65 years, 28 males, 7 females), and 30 healthy volunteers (mean age 49 years, 15 males, 15 females).

Ultrasonic tissue characterization using integrated backscatter (IBS) imaging of the carotid artery.

Histological analysis of carotid endarterectomy specimens (assessing lipid content, fibrous tissue, thrombus, hemorrhage, calcification, and fibrous cap thickness).

Correlation between calibrated carotid IBS values and histological plaque composition and fibrous cap thickness.surrogate