3D contrast-enhanced microvascular ultrasound to detect new blood vessel growth in carotid plaques
3D Contrast Enhanced Microvascular Ultrasound of Carotid Atherosclerosis for the Detection of Carotid Plaque Neo-Revascularisation.
This test tries to see if 3D contrast-enhanced ultrasound can detect tiny new blood vessels inside carotid artery plaques in adults who previously had carotid CEUS.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | London North West Healthcare NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Harrow) |
| Trial ID | NCT07298655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional imaging project uses 3D contrast-enhanced microvascular carotid ultrasound with microbubble contrast to image plaque neovascularization in people with known carotid atherosclerosis. Participants are adults who previously consented to the SECURE trial and have already undergone carotid CEUS, and must have at least one plaque visible on prior imaging. The procedure involves targeted 3D CEUS imaging of the carotid arteries to look for microvascular channels within plaques, with safety exclusions for microbubble allergy and pregnancy. The study is conducted at a single site and focuses on refining noninvasive detection of plaque neovascularisation rather than testing a drug or device implant.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 who previously participated in the SECURE trial, have undergone carotid CEUS, have at least one carotid plaque on that imaging, and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are under 18, pregnant, allergic to microbubble contrast agents, or who do not have detectable carotid plaques (or did not have prior CEUS in SECURE) are unlikely to receive benefit from this imaging test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help clinicians noninvasively identify higher-risk carotid plaques and better target preventive treatments to reduce stroke risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows CEUS can detect plaque neovascularisation and that neovascularisation links to plaque vulnerability, but the specific use of 3D contrast-enhanced microvascular ultrasound for this purpose is relatively new and not yet widely validated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age\>18 years old. 2. Previously consent for participation in the SECURE trial and have undergone carotid CEUS. 3. Found to have at least one carotid plaque present on carotid CEUS. 4. Able to give informed consent to participate in the study and its procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Age \<18 years old. 2. Unable to provide informed consent to participate in the study and its procedures. 3. Allergy to microbubble contrast agents. 4. Known pregnancy.
Where this trial is running
Harrow
- Northwick Park Hospital — Harrow, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roxy Senior, MD — LNWH Trust
- Study coordinator: Emma Howard
- Email: emma.howard16@nhs.net
- Phone: 0208 869 2548
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.