Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Haemodynamics / Flow dynamics, Education, Ultrasound-Power Doppler, Ultrasound-Colour Doppler, Ultrasound, Head and neck, Arteries / Aorta
Authors:
C. GÓMEZ VARELA, I. Couto Rodriguez, L. Mateos Yeguas, M. D. Durán Vila; Pontevedra/ES
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2018/C-3068
Background
The carotid stenotic pathology is the cause of between 20-30% of stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA).
Most ischemic stroke episodes are due to embolisms as a result of thrombus formation due to hemodynamic alterations in carotid artery stenosis or migration of plaque fragments.
The major risk factors for carotid artery stenosis include older age,
male sex,
hypertension,
smoking,
hypercholesterolemia,
diabetes mellitus,
and heart disease.
Carotid Doppler ultrasonography is the preferred imaging modality for screening,
diagnosis and monitoring of arteriosclerosis of extracranial arteries.
Among all the factors studied,
the degree of carotid artery stenosis and plaque morphology and composition are the most directly related to the increased risk of stroke.
Carotid Doppler ultrasound indications are:
- Patients with history of transient ischemic attack,
stroke,
or other neurologic signs or symptoms.
- Asymptomatic patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors or with coronary or peripheral atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Routine screening to detect clinically asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in the general population is not recommended.