ObjectiveTo compare and analyze the clinical application value of superb microvascular imaging（SMI）and contrast-enhanced ultrasound（CEUS）in the diagnosis of neovascularization in carotid atherosclerotic plaques.MethodsSixty-four patients（99 carotid atherosclerotic plaques）were examined by SMI and CEUS

respectively

and the differences in the positive rate and location of neovascularization in carotid plaque were compared between SMI and CEUS.The consistency of the two methods in the diagnosis of neovascularization in plaque was compared.ResultsIn 99 carotid plaques

the detection rate of neovascularization in plaques by CEUS was significantly higher than that of SMI（79.80% vs.53.54%）

and the difference was statistically significant（χ

2

=15.364

P=0.000）.The regional differences in the distribution of neovascularization in the plaque were statistically significant（χ

2

=8.257

P

<

0.05）.Kappa test showed there was a certain consistency between SMI and CEUS in detecting neovascularization in plaques（Kappa=0.464

P=0.000）.ConclusionSMI and CEUS have their own advantages in diagnosing neovascularization in plaques. The sensitivity of CEUS is high

and it is easy to display neovascularization at the base of the plaque.SMI has the advantages of simplicity

non-invasiveness and low price

and can be used as a long-term follow-up method for atherosclerotic plaques.The combination of the two methods can provide more accurate plaque vulnerability information.