The Role of Carotid Ultrasonography in Patients with High Risk of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease that most often affects the carotid arteries. Being usually asymptomatic in its early stages, it is diagnosed only in advanced stages, when treatment is more difficult and prognosis is poor. Carotid ultrasound (US) is the most commonly used method for diagnosing carotid artery disease and represents a proper method for screening in patients with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. This paper shows the methodology and necessity of carotid imaging methods in patients at high risk of developing atherosclerotic lesions. We also review the findings that underline the need of carotid screening in patients with ischemic heart disease or with ischemic arteriopathy, showing that the carotid arteries are like ‘mirrors’ of the arterial system, which need to be assessed in every patient with CV risk factors, regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Myocardial Viability: Why Is It so Important?

For a better assessment of ischemic heart diseases, myocardial viability should be quantified. Current studies underline the importance and the evolution of several techniques and methods used in the evaluation of myocardial viability. Taking into account these considerations, the aim of this manuscript was to present the recent points of view regarding myocardial viability and its clinical significance in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathies and left ventricular dysfunction. On the other hand, the manuscript points out the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), one of the most useful noninvasive imaging techniques, in the assessment of myocardial viability. By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of cardiac MRI, its usefulness can be better appreciated by the clinician. In the following years, it is considered that MRI will be an indispensable imaging tool in the assessment of ischemic heart disease, guiding interventions for revascularization and long-term risk stratification in patients with stable angina or myocardial infarction.