Sonography of the Carotid Arteries in Patients with a Cerebrovascular Attack

Overview

Sonography of the carotid arteries belongs nowadays, in addition to computer tomography ofthe brain and echocardiography, to the basic examination methods needed for the diagnosis ofcerebrovascular attacks and their etiology. We use it also in risk patients, e.g. before surgicalrevascularization of the heart and in patients with asympatomatic murmurs above the carotidartery. On examination we evaluate not only the severity of the stenosis in the carotidcirculation but also the presence of all atheromas and in particular their morphology. A hypo-echogenic plaque as a sign of a high lipid content and a plaque with different areas ofechogenicity as a sign of haemorrhage into the plaque imply risk of another thromboembolicattack. Also assessment of the intima-media thickness in the region of the carotid bulbus area prognostic sign of relapse of a cerebrovascular attack.

Key words:
sonography of the carotid arteries - cerebrovascular attacks - atherosclerotic plaque.