Ultrasonography.  2015 Oct;34(4):312-323. 10.14366/usg.15005.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the carotids

• Rafailidis V
• Pitoulias
• Kouskouras K
• Rafailidis D

• KMID: 2381999
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14366/usg.15005

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the carotids has recently emerged as a complementary examination to conventional carotid Doppler ultrasonography. It is an examination providing improved visualization of the vascular lumen, more accurate and detailed delineation of the vascular wall, and identification of atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has specific advantages over conventional ultrasonography and plays an important role in the diagnosis of the vulnerable carotid plaque, as it can identify intraplaque neovascularization and carotid plaque ulceration. Given the specific advantages and improved imaging of the carotids provided by this method, radiologists should be familiar with it. This pictorial essay illustrates the advantages of this technique and discusses its value in the imaging of carotid arteries.

Keyword

Contrast media; Carotid stenosis; Plaque, atherosclerotic; Ultrasonography, Doppler, color

MeSH Terms

Carotid Arteries
Carotid Stenosis
Contrast Media
Diagnosis
Plaque, Atherosclerotic
Ulcer
Ultrasonography*
Ultrasonography, Doppler
Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
Contrast Media