Carotids part 2024

Extracranial Duplex Ultrasound Examination

An ultrasound technique used to evaluate blood flow in the extracranial cerebral arteries to assess for conditions such as stenosis or plaque buildup.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

An episode of stroke-like symptoms that lasts from a few minutes to several hours and resolves completely, often serving as a warning sign of a stroke.

Carotid Stenosis

Narrowing of the carotid artery, often due to atherosclerotic build-up, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain.

Bruit

An abnormal 'blowing' or 'swishing' sound heard with a stethoscope over an artery, indicating turbulence due to blood flowing through a stenotic artery.

Carotid Bulb

A slight dilation at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, where baroreceptors for blood pressure regulation are located.

Doppler Angle

The angle between the Doppler ultrasound beam and the arterial wall; important for calculating flow velocity.

Spectral Broadening

An increase in the width of the spectral waveform representing turbulent blood flow associated with arterial lesions.

Atherosclerosis

A condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked arteries.

Internal Carotid Artery (ICA)

An artery that supplies blood to the brain, arising from the common carotid artery.

External Carotid Artery (ECA)

An artery that supplies blood to the face and scalp, diverging from the common carotid artery.

Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV)

The maximum velocity of blood flow during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, used to assess carotid artery stenosis.

End Diastolic Velocity (EDV)

The velocity of blood flow at the end of diastole, used along with PSV to evaluate arterial conditions.

Carotid Endarterectomy

A surgical procedure to remove plaque from the carotid arteries to prevent stroke.

Carotid Stenting

A minimally invasive procedure where a stent is placed in a narrowed carotid artery to keep it open and maintain blood flow.

Doppler Ultrasound

An ultrasound technique that measures blood flow velocity using sound waves reflected off moving blood cells.

Intracranial Vascular System

The network of blood vessels supplying the brain with oxygen-rich blood.

Risk Factors for Stroke

Conditions that increase the likelihood of stroke, including history of TIA, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.

Variations in Extracranial Circulation

Anatomical differences in the distribution and branching of arteries supplying the head and neck.

Approach Angle in Ultrasound

The angle at which the ultrasound beam hits the vessel wall, ideally between 45 and 60 degrees for optimal results.