[Validation of quantitative and qualitative data of real-time carotid echotomography in comparison with standard Doppler tests, arteriography and anatomopathology. On 59 carotid endarterectomies].

Findings on ultrasound, arteriography and pathology examinations were compared in 49 patients undergoing 59 carotid endarterectomies between December 1981 and April 1983. Carotid artery lesions were investigated routinely by cervical Doppler, high resolution rapid ultrasound and either direct or more usually venous arteriography (with photographic subtractions). Postoperative endarterectomy specimens were examined to determine the exact degree of stenosis, and also qualitatively (gross pathology and histology of ulcerations and thromboses, the biochemical nature of the plaques, etc.). With respect to detection, that is demonstration of the existence or not of an atheromatous lesion, the ultrasonographic findings could always (100% of cases) be correlated with pathology data. Qualitative analysis of atheromatous lesions showed certain to be diagnosed with ease: calcified, fibrous or chondroid and lipidic plaques, while those complicated by hemorrhage, ulceration or mural thrombosis were less constantly diagnosed by ultrasound imaging. Occlusive plaques were easily detected, while recent intraluminal thrombosis was more difficult to diagnose by ultrasound alone. In this case the combined use of Doppler is a valuable aid, and is a routine procedure, in fact, in the department. Results of quantitative analysis showed good correlation between ultrasound and pathology findings in 79.7% of cases (insufficient in 20.3%). However, if ultrasonography is combined with other ultrasound methods of examination (standard Doppler and spectral analysis of Doppler) correlation is of the order of 95%, close to morphological data supplied by arteriography, with in addition a functional and qualitative approach not possible with arteriography alone.