Carotid Duplex Imaging

About Carotid Artery Disease or Atherosclerosis

The carotid arteries are the blood vessels on each side of the neck, adjacent to the windpipe. They carry the major supply of blood to the brain and head. A condition known as atherosclerosis or carotid artery disease can sometimes develop in these arteries.

Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries as it is commonly called, is caused by a buildup of plaque deposits on artery walls. The surface of this plaque may be rough and have ulcers. Small clots can form in these ulcers and later dislodge. These floating clots block the arteries in the brain, causing a temporary blockage of blood to the brain.

This is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). These temporary interruptions of the blood supply to the brain can cause a variety of symptoms that are considered warning signs for a future stroke. Symptoms include:

Warning Signs

• Numbness, weakness, and/or loss of coordination or paralysis on one side of the body
• Drooping of one side of the mouth or face
• Blindness or loss of part of your vision in one eye (usually described as a curtain shade being drawn down over your eye)
• Inability to speak and/or understand written or spoken words and garbled speech
• Episodes of memory loss (brief periods of time you cannot recall)
• Loss of consciousness

When blood flow is blocked by a dislodged blood clot or severe narrowing of the artery for an extended period of time, damage to the brain may occur. Damage is termed as a stroke and symptoms usually last more than 24 hours.

Reducing Your Risk
Atherosclerosis can be prevented by controlling your risk factors and changing your health habits.

Risk Factors
Artherosclerosis is more common over the age of 45. Risk factors associated with this disease include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Family history of arterial disease
• Obesity

About Carotid Duplex Imaging
The most commonly used technique for diagnosing carotid artery disease is carotid duplex imaging. Carotid duplex imaging is a noninvasive procedure that does not require the use of needles, dyes or x-rays. These tests are painless, require no special preparation and may be performed on an outpatient basis.

Carotid duplex imaging is a combination of ultrasound imaging and Doppler ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging of the carotid arteries reveals the location and extent of the disease. Doppler ultrasound allows analysis of blood flow in the arteries. Blood flow pattern has been shown to correlate very well with the severity of the arterial narrowing.

During the exam, the technologist will apply a small amount of gel to the skin of your neck and an ultrasound probe will be placed on the neck over the carotid arteries.

Another test used for diagnosing carotid artery disease is an arteriogram. An arteriogram is an invasive test involving injection of dye, via a small catheter directly into the blood vessel to produce images of the arteries. This test shows the location and extent of narrowing of the diseased artery.

Preparation
There are no special preparations necessary for carotid duplex imaging. The procedure takes about one hour to complete.

Results
The results of the procedure will be available to your physician within 5 to 7 work days. Phone results are, however, available to your physician within 24 hours. Please contact your physician to discuss your results.