Objective To investigate the effect of carotid ultrasound combined with detections of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the stability of atherosclerotic plaque.
Methods Totally 98 patients with atherosclerosis were conducted with carotid ultrasound and detections of VEGF, MMP-9 and hs-CRP. Taking the results of follow-up and magnetic resonance imaging as controls, the results of carotid ultrasound and carotid ultrasound combined with VEGF, MMP-9, hs-CRP were compared, and the serum levels of VEGF, MMP-9 and hs-CRP in patients with different plaque types were compared as well.
Results Follow-up and histopathological findings showed that among 98 patients with atherosclerosis, 33 cases had no plaque, 32 cases had stable plaque and 33 cases had vulnerable plaque. The accuracy of carotid ultrasound combined with VEGF, MMP-9 and hs-CRP in detecting non-plaque, stable plaque and vulnerable plaque was significantly higher than that of carotid ultrasound (P < 0.05). The serum levels of VEGF, MMP-9 and hs-CRP in patients with stable plaque were significantly higher than those without plaque, and was significantly lower than those with vulnerable plaque (P < 0.05).
Conclusion Carotid ultrasound combined with detection of VEGF, MMP-9 and hs-CRP can accurately determine the nature of atherosclerotic plaque and reflect the stability and degree of atherosclerotic plaque.
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