ABSTRACT
Imaging capabilities IVUS provides detailed cross-sectional images of the coronary lumen and vessel wall. It yields unique qualitative and quantitative information. Qualitative assessment focuses on the presence, extent and tissue characterization of atherosclerotic plaque. Normal coronaries show a characteristic three-layered appearance, with a characteristic inner leading edge, an echolucent zone and a highly echogenic boundary towards the adventitia.48-54 In atherosclerotic arteries, the histological plaque composition translates into distinct ultrasound appearance (Fig. 3.3). Quantitative analysis includes lumen and vessel dimensions, plaque geometry and remodelling (Fig. 3.4).
