Gray-Weale et al developed a classification scheme for carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque based on ultrasonographic characteristics.
Parameters:
(1) plaque type
(2) plaque surface
|
Echolucent Plaque
|
Echogenic Plaque
|
Type
|
|
almost entirely
|
none, or thin cap on luminal surface
|
I
|
|
most of plaque
|
small, scattered foci
|
II
|
|
small, scattered foci
|
most of plaque
|
III
|
|
none
|
entirely (homogenous)
|
IV
|
Plaque surface:
(1) smooth
(2) irregular
(3) ulcerated (surface crater >= 2 mm in diameter)
Symptomatic patients are more likely to have:
(1) Type I or II plaque
(2) plaque with an ulcerated surface
