Extracranial Carotid Duplex - Part 2 2025

Vertebral artery

A major artery in the neck that supplies blood to the posterior part of the brain, usually larger on the left side than the right.

Subclavian steal

A condition characterized by retrograde blood flow in the vertebral artery due to occlusion or narrowing of the subclavian artery.

Doppler waveform

A graphical representation of the velocity of blood flow in vessels, characterized by its shape and pattern, indicating the flow dynamics.

Intima-Media Thickness (IMT)

A measure used to assess the thickness of the intima and media layers of the arterial wall, indicative of plaque and atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerotic plaque

A buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls which can restrict blood flow.

Echolucent plaque

Plaque that appears very dark in ultrasound images, often indicating high lipid content which can signify unstable plaques.

Iatrogenic injury

An unintended condition or injury resulting from a medical intervention or treatment.

High resistance waveform

A Doppler waveform typical in high resistance vascular beds, such as in the external carotid artery, indicative of less continuous blood flow.

Tardus-parvus waveform

A Doppler waveform characterizing a delayed rise time and low peak systolic velocity, often seen distal to severe arterial stenosis.

Carotid bifurcation

The area where the common carotid artery splits into the internal and external carotid arteries.