Ultrasound can be used to examine the extracranial arteries that supply blood to the brain. Pathology in these arteries can lead to stroke. A carotid ultrasound exam should image and measure blood flow in the carotid and vertebral arteries bilaterally and evaluate any lesions found. Ultrasound is a noninvasive way to detect pathology in the extracranial arteries that may cause stroke.

1. CAROTID ULTRASOUND
Ade Wijaya, MD
November 2017
Landwehr, P., Schulte, O., & Voshage, G. (2001). Ultrasound examination of carotid and vertebral arteries. European radiology, 11(9), 1521-1534.

2. Introduction
 Stroke is one of the leading causes of dead
& disability
 Extracranial arteries supply the brain
 Pathology on these arteries lead to stroke
 Can be examined using ultrasound
 Can be managed by either surgery or
endovascular technique.

3. Findings should include:
 1. Longitudinal image, Doppler spectrum, and
velocitymeasurements in the common carotid
artery on either side
 2. Longitudinal image and transverse image
of the carotid bifurcation on either side
 3. Longitudinal image, Doppler spectrum, and
velocity measurements of the internal and
external carotid arteries and vertebral arteries
 4. If pathological findings are noted:
longitudinal image with Doppler spectrum of
the respective lesion

6. Other Findings
 Kinking and coiling of the carotid
artery
 Subclavian steal syndrome
 Stenoses and occlusions of the
vertebral artery
 AV fistulae
 Glomus tumor

7. Summary
 Ultrasound is a cheap, noninvasive
method to detect extracranial arteries
pathology
 DSA is still the gold standard