Cor Vasa 2016, 58(2):e273-e278 | DOI: 10.1016/j.crvasa.2016.02.012

Carotid ultrasound in primary and secondary prevention of stroke

Alena Lorenzováa,b
a III. interní klinika - kardiologická, Kardiocentrum 3. lékařské fakulty Univerzity Karlovy a Fakultní nemocnice Královské Vinohrady, Praha, Česká republika
b Corintez, s.r.o., kardiologická a interní ambulance, Praha, Česká republika

Imaging methods play an important role in management of patients with acute stroke or chronic cerebrovascular disease. Carotid ultrasound is a widely used method, thanks to its noninvasivity and wide accessibility. This review article deals with indications for carotid ultrasound examination in primary and secondary prevention. It presents current criteria for carotid stenosis assessment: calculation of the percentage of the stenosis, velocity criteria and the morphology of the plaque. Also accuracy of the method is analysed. In conclusion, carotid ultrasound is a reliable diagnostic tool that has an important role in the diagnosis and grading of the carotid stenosis.

Keywords: Atherosclerotic plaque; Carotid stenosis; Carotid ultrasound; Prevention; Stroke; Velocity criteria

Received: November 30, 2015; Revised: February 10, 2016; Accepted: February 24, 2016; Published: April 1, 2016  Show citation

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Lorenzová A. Carotid ultrasound in primary and secondary prevention of stroke. Cor Vasa. 2016;58(2):e273-278. doi: 10.1016/j.crvasa.2016.02.012.
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