CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: The aim was to identify the risk of impending stroke originating from diseases of the carotid artery. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Duplex scanning is the standard method for clinical examination of carotid arteries. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: By implementing the new standardized German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) criteria, ultrasound examination enables reliable grading of carotid artery disease and identification of the progression of stenosis. PERFORMANCE: Current guidelines recommend duplex scanning as the standard method. In consequence of finding atherosclerosis, intensive monitoring and therapy of cardiovascular risk factors is mandatory. In cases showing rapid progression of stenosis or a very high degree of stenosis indicating increased risk of stroke, carotid endarterectomy or stenting is warranted. ACHIEVEMENTS: Detection of carotid artery atherosclerosis is uncomplicated and the method is not demanding; however, identification of high-risk carotid disease by exact grading of carotid stenosis requires investigation by an experienced examiner. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Screening is recommended for patients exhibiting cardiovascular risk factors but is not recommended for the general population. On detection of carotid stenosis an exact grading of stenosis by an experienced examiner is absolutely essential.
CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: The aim was to identify the risk of impending stroke originating from diseases of the carotid artery. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Duplex scanning is the standard method for clinical examination of carotid arteries. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: By implementing the new standardized German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) criteria, ultrasound examination enables reliable grading of carotid artery disease and identification of the progression of stenosis. PERFORMANCE: Current guidelines recommend duplex scanning as the standard method. In consequence of finding atherosclerosis, intensive monitoring and therapy of cardiovascular risk factors is mandatory. In cases showing rapid progression of stenosis or a very high degree of stenosis indicating increased risk of stroke, carotid endarterectomy or stenting is warranted. ACHIEVEMENTS: Detection of carotid artery atherosclerosis is uncomplicated and the method is not demanding; however, identification of high-risk carotid disease by exact grading of carotid stenosis requires investigation by an experienced examiner. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Screening is recommended for patients exhibiting cardiovascular risk factors but is not recommended for the general population. On detection of carotid stenosis an exact grading of stenosis by an experienced examiner is absolutely essential.
Authors: Matthias W Lorenz; Joseph F Polak; Maryam Kavousi; Ellisiv B Mathiesen; Henry Völzke; Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen; Dirk Sander; Matthieu Plichart; Alberico L Catapano; Christine M Robertson; Stefan Kiechl; Tatjana Rundek; Moïse Desvarieux; Lars Lind; Caroline Schmid; Pronabesh DasMahapatra; Lu Gao; Kathrin Ziegelbauer; Michiel L Bots; Simon G Thompson Journal: Lancet Date: 2012-04-27 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: John J Ricotta; Ali Aburahma; Enrico Ascher; Mark Eskandari; Peter Faries; Brajesh K Lal Journal: J Vasc Surg Date: 2011-09 Impact factor: 4.268
Authors: Larry B Goldstein; Cheryl D Bushnell; Robert J Adams; Lawrence J Appel; Lynne T Braun; Seemant Chaturvedi; Mark A Creager; Antonio Culebras; Robert H Eckel; Robert G Hart; Judith A Hinchey; Virginia J Howard; Edward C Jauch; Steven R Levine; James F Meschia; Wesley S Moore; J V Ian Nixon; Thomas A Pearson Journal: Stroke Date: 2010-12-02 Impact factor: 7.914
Authors: M A Mansour; F N Littooy; W C Watson; K A Blumofe; T J Heilizer; G F Steffen; C Chmura; S S Kang; N Labropoulos; H P Greisler; S G Fisher; W H Baker Journal: J Vasc Surg Date: 1999-02 Impact factor: 4.268