Imaging of the Carotid Artery

This chapter describes different methods for imaging the carotid artery in the clinical diagnosis of disease including the workup of potential stroke sources. We review carotid artery imaging by multiple techniques including digital subtraction angiography (DSA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and vessel wall MRI (vwMRI). The interpretation of each technique, advantages, and disadvantages are discussed. Imaging examples of each modality are also provided. This will serve as a primer for the interpretation of currently available diagnostic imaging techniques and will aid in surgical and interventional planning.