Analyzing Carotid Plaque with Ultrasound and Protein Levels
Author Information
Author(s): Baroncini Liz Andréa V, Filho Pazin Antonio, Murta Junior Luiz Otávio, Nakao Lia S, Ramos Simone G, Précoma Dalton B
Primary Institution: Pontificia Universidade Católica do Paraná
Hypothesis
The study aims to establish correlations between videodensitometric values in ultrasound images of carotid plaques and the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in these plaques.
Conclusion
Videodensitometric analysis of ultrasound images can identify stable carotid plaques that have higher levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 compared to unstable plaques.
Supporting Evidence
- MMP-9 expression levels were elevated in asymptomatic patients compared to symptomatic patients.
- TIMP-1 levels were higher in asymptomatic patients than in symptomatic patients.
- The mean gray level was higher in asymptomatic patients compared to symptomatic patients.
- Energy values were greater in asymptomatic patients than in symptomatic patients.
Takeaway
Doctors can use special ultrasound pictures to see if a carotid plaque is stable or unstable, which helps decide if a patient needs surgery.
Methodology
Thirty patients underwent ultrasound imaging of carotid plaques before surgery, and tissue specimens were analyzed for MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in ultrasound image interpretation due to observer dependency.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size and may not generalize to all patients with carotid plaques.
Participant Demographics
30 patients (20 males, mean age 68.03 ± 7.3 years), with 16 symptomatic and 14 asymptomatic patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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