Extracranial Quiz 3

Q: What is atherosclerosis?

A: A disease characterized by the buildup of lipids, fibrous tissue, inflammatory cells, and calcification within the arteries.

Q: What triggers plaque buildup in atherosclerosis?

A: Endothelial damage causing chronic inflammation.

Q: What is the leading fatal result of atherosclerosis?

A: Cardiovascular disease.

Q: What imaging method provides detailed analysis of plaque surfaces and composition?

A: B-mode imaging.

Q: Where does carotid plaque most commonly form?

A: At the carotid bifurcation, distal CCA, proximal ICA, and proximal ECA.

Q: In early plaque formation, what thickens first?

A: The intima-media layers.

Q: What may form between the plaque and the lumen in early plaque development?

A: A fibrous cap.

Q: What does B-mode ultrasound measure in the carotid arteries?

A: Intima-media thickness (IMT).

Q: What three locations are used to measure IMT?

A: Common carotid artery, bifurcation, and internal carotid artery.

Q: What CIMT measurement is considered abnormal?

A: Greater than 0.9 mm.

Q: Elevated IMT is considered what kind of sign?

A: An early warning sign of vascular damage.

Q: Does IMT represent true atherosclerosis?

A: No, it is mainly a marker of vascular aging.

Q: Small intima-media thickening is common in what age group?

A: People older than 50 years old.

Q: What factors affect ultrasound plaque assessment quality?

A: Sonographer expertise, image quality, vascular segment examined, and plaque characterization.

Q: What type of images should be acquired when evaluating plaque?

A: Accurate 2D longitudinal and transverse images, and 3D images if possible.

Q: Why must plaque be evaluated in both transverse and sagittal planes?

A: Because plaque is irregular and may not be fully visualized in one plane.

Q: Which ultrasound view is most important for gray-scale plaque assessment?

A: The transverse view.

Q: Why is longitudinal estimation of stenosis unreliable?

A: It can underestimate or overestimate plaque severity.