Ultrasound imaging of the carotid arteries

Stroke remains a leading cause of death in developed countries. Most are the result of atherosclerotic disease, usually involving the carotid arteries. A significant number of all strokes (10–20%) are caused by internal carotid artery stenosis. Carotid Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) is a commonly requested investigation, principally performed to assess the carotid arteries for the presence and extent of atheromatous plaque. Atheroma in the carotid arteries is typically localized to the carotid bifurcation and may give rise to microemboli causing transient ischaemic attacks in the contralateral limbs or amaurosis fugax in the ipsilateral eye.