title: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the carotids.
abstract: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the carotids has recently emerged as a complementary examination to conventional carotid Doppler ultrasonography. It is an examination providing improved visualization of the vascular lumen, more accurate and detailed delineation of the vascular wall, and identification of atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has specific advantages over conventional ultrasonography and plays an important role in the diagnosis of the vulnerable carotid plaque, as it can identify intraplaque neovascularization and carotid plaque ulceration. Given the specific advantages and improved imaging of the carotids provided by this method, radiologists should be familiar with it. This pictorial essay illustrates the advantages of this technique and discusses its value in the imaging of carotid arteries.
authors: Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors: Vasileios
authors: 0000-0002-0284-4106
authors: V
authors: Rafailidis
authors: 2nd Department of Surgery, G Gennimatas Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors: Georgios
authors: 0000-0002-6862-2709
authors: G
authors: Pitoulias
authors: Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors: Konstantinos
authors: 0000-0002-9212-5948
authors: K
authors: Kouskouras
authors: Department of Radiology, G Gennimatas Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors: Dimitrios
authors: 0000-0002-8279-5710
authors: D
authors: Rafailidis
keywords: Carotid stenosis; Contrast media; Plaque, atherosclerotic; Ultrasonography, Doppler, color