Alternative ultrasound modalities to attempt to assess high risk asymptomatic carotid plaques

Duplex ultrasound examination, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance angiography have traditionally been used as noninvasive methods to assess carotid stenosis severity. The degree of stenosis in asymptomatic patients has often been used as the main criterion to assess risk for plaque embolization and stroke. There has been an effort to find alternate methods to assess vulnerable plaques. This has included many modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging and other ultrasound techniques.
Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Invited commentary Source Type: research