Ultrasound and arterial wall disease.
Rapid progress in non-invasive ultrasound techniques has resulted in a wide variety of clinical applications for the assessment of cerebrovascular diseases. Recent highlights in ultrasound research include the evaluation of vascular ageing as a degenerative process, the demonstration of plaque development, motion and vulnerability in atherosclerosis and multi-dimensional as well as innovative imaging techniques (e.g., compound imaging) to depict early and small vascular lesions. In addition, echo-contrast agents have been used to compensate for difficulties in visualising late, severe or subtotal obstructive plaques, but failed to be really superior to conventional techniques as evidenced in a prospective, multi-centre trial (Contrast Enhanced Duplex sonography versus Arteriography Studies - CEDAS). With increasing sophistication of ultrasound methodology, it becomes essential to establish standards for data acquisition and interpretation: three consensus meetings have provided detailed recommendations on quantification of carotid atherosclerosis, characterisation of carotid artery plaques and detection of microembolism by transcranial Doppler as a potential indicator of stroke risk.
Hennerici
Michael
M
Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany. hennerici@neuro.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
Baezner
Hansjoerg
H
Daffertshofer
Michael
M
D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
D003287:Contrast Media