Doppler Ultrasound Monitoring of Echogenicity in Asymptomatic Subcritical Carotid Stenosis and Assessment of Response to Oral Supplementation of Vitamin K2 (PLAK2 Randomized Controlled Trial).

Carotid plaque composition monitoring through GSM value represents a laborious procedure. Although its use may not be applied to everyday practice, a specific application consists in evaluating the effect of pharmacological therapy on plaque composition. This 12 months randomized trial showed that the majority of subcritical asymptomatic carotid plaque on treatment with low-medium dosage statin presented a stable or increased echogenicity. Although vitamin K2 beyond standard therapy did not determine a significant change in plaque composition, for those who presented with GSM reduction it did enhance a GSM monthly decline.