Table 1.
Comparative evaluation of different ultrasonographic techniques
| Evaluation | B-mode | CDU | PDI | D-eFLOW | PW | CEUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flow imaging | - | + | ++ | ++ | ++ | +++ |
| Flow direction | - | +++ | - | ++ | +++ | +++ |
| Echolucent plaque | + | ++ | ++ | ++ | - | +++ |
| Calcified plaque | +++ | + | + | ++ | - | + |
| Delineation of lumen/plaque | + | + | + | ++ | - | +++ |
| Ulcer depiction | + | + | ++ | ++ | - | +++ |
| Grading stenosis | +a) | +a) | +a) | ++a) | +++b) | +++a) |
| DD near-occlusion/occlusion | - | ++ | ++ | ++ | ± | +++ |
| Neovascularization | - | - | - | - | - | +++ |
B-mode, gray-scale imaging; CDU, color Doppler ultrasonography; PDI, power Doppler imaging; D-eFLOW, directional-eFLOW; PW, pulsed-wave Doppler; CEUS, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography; DD, differential diagnosis.
a)
With diametric or area method estimation.
b)
With Doppler parameters (peak systolic velocity, internal / common carotid artery peak systolic velocity ratio, and end-diastolic velocity).