Computer-assisted detection of tardus parvus waveforms on Doppler ultrasound

Carotid Ultrasound

Carotid ultrasound is the primary noninvasive method for detecting, grading, and monitoring internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Major components of carotid Doppler ultrasound include assessment of ICA stenosis using Doppler velocity criteria, spectral waveform analysis, and assessment of ICA stenosis. Recently, the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Vascular Testing put forth new modified Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound criteria with a higher peak systolic velocity threshold of 180 cm/s for 50% to 69% ICA stenosis. Additional emerging techniques, including 3D imaging, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and superb microvascular imaging, may help identify vulnerable plaque and thus help further risk-stratify patients in the future.

Carotid Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound (US) is the primary noninvasive imaging modality for detecting, grading, and monitoring extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, which is a well-established surrogate marker for stroke risk. In addition, Doppler US is the primary imaging modality for surveillance of patients following carotid intervention with endarterectomy or stent placement. This article reviews the pathophysiology and epidemiology of stroke, technique for performing a carotid US examination, normal findings, and diagnostic US criteria for evaluating carotid plaque, grading stenosis in the native ICA and following intervention, as well as waveform analysis of the carotid arteries.