[A critical appraisal of diagnostic imaging techniques in asymptomatic carotid stenosis]

Asymptomatic stenosis of the internal carotid artery requires a non-invasive imaging work-up. The objectives include the quantification of the degree of stenosis, the analysis of the atherosclerotic plaque and the consequences of this stenosis on the brain tissue. Previous studies showed the reliability of MR angiography and spiral CT for the assessment of the arterial lumen. However, the consensus is based on the association of ultrasonography and MRA because of the non-invasive approach of these examinations that allow a complete evaluation of both the extracranial and the intracranial vessels. Recent advances in MRI will probably allow to simultaneously analyze the arterial wall in order to detect the plaques at risk and to optimize the therapeutic approach.