Ultrasound carotids (summary)

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This is a basic article for medical students and other non-radiologists.

US (ultrasound) carotids is a standard test performed as part of the assessment of the cranial arterial blood supply.

Reference article

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Summary

  • indications (acute)
  • important pathology
  • benefits
    • dynamic investigation
    • accurate and objective assessment of flow within the vessels
  • limitations
    • operator-dependent
    • there may be limited access depending on local availability
  • procedure
    • patient positioned supine
    • US Doppler examination of each carotid artery
  • similar tests
    • CT angiogram
      • contrast-enhanced CT of the neck
      • reproducible anatomic assessment
      • no dynamic flow assessment
      • uses ionizing radiation
    • MR angiogram
      • can be performed with or without contrast
      • no ionizing radiation
Medical student radiology curriculum