Carotid ultrasound

Carotid ultrasound is used extensively to identify patients who may need su rgical correction of carotid stenosis. TI-Lis article reviews the role of c arotid ultrasound in the detection and grading of significant carotid steno sis. The basic pathophysiology of carotid disease is reviewed in light of t echnical aspects of carotid ultrasound. Sonographic imaging of more subtle markers of carotid disease also is reviewed. The strengths and weaknesses o f atherosclerotic plaque characterization by ultrasound are discussed. The technical aspects of carotid artery intima-media thickness measurements are reviewed from the perspective of evaluating the earliest evidence of ather osclerotic disease.