[Carotid Ultrasound].

Area of Science:

• Vascular Ultrasound
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Cerebrovascular Disease Assessment

Background:

• Carotid ultrasound noninvasively evaluates carotid artery wall structure and blood flow velocity.
• Intima-media thickness and carotid plaque assessment correlate with atherosclerotic changes, risk factors, and cardiovascular events.
• Ultrasound imaging provides insights into large artery atherosclerosis and its role in acute ischemic stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the utility of carotid ultrasound in assessing carotid artery disease.
• To correlate ultrasound findings of carotid plaque with pathological characteristics and clinical outcomes.
• To highlight the role of carotid ultrasound in evaluating stroke etiology.

Main Methods:

• Noninvasive assessment of carotid wall structure and flow velocity using ultrasound.
• Evaluation of intima-media thickness and carotid plaque characteristics.
• Comparison of ultrasound echogenicity and plaque pathology, including calcification, fibrous content, atheromatous components, and hemorrhage.

Main Results:

• Carotid ultrasound effectively assesses atherosclerotic changes and cardiovascular event risk.
• Plaque echogenicity varies with composition: calcified plaques are highly echogenic, while atheromatous or hemorrhagic plaques are less echogenic, indicating vulnerability.
• Plaque ulceration or mobility identified by ultrasound is associated with ischemic stroke occurrence.

Conclusions:

• Carotid ultrasound is a valuable tool for noninvasive evaluation of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke risk.
• Ultrasound-based plaque characterization, particularly echogenicity, offers insights into plaque vulnerability and stroke potential.
• The technique aids in understanding the causes of acute ischemic stroke by evaluating large artery disease and flow dynamics.