Assessment Of Carotid Plaque Characteristics By Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound In The Long-Term After Neck Radiotherapy

Background: Stroke is a complication that limits long-term prognosis after neck radiotherapy. Plaque in the irradiated carotid artery wall is a major embolic source. It has been reported that plaque neovascularization is increased in the early phase after neck radiation therapy. However, little is known about plaque characteristics in the long term after neck radiation therapy.