Investigation
Carotid Artery Ultrasound Scanning
Assessing the health of the carotid arteries found in the neck
Overview
Ultrasound of the carotid artery can be done for two reasons. Firstly to act as a window to the rest of the blood vessels. It can show early signs of hardening of the arteries. The thickness of the inner part of the artery (the intimal-media thickness) is linked to the risk of future heart attacks and strokes. This can be used to help guide drug treatments.
Secondly, if a very narrowed Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) is found on carotid duplex scanning , then treatment with tablets may need to be augmented with either Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) or Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS).
What happens during Duplex scan
You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewellery, or other objects that may interfere with the scan and you will be given a gown to wear. Whilst lying on a bed a clear gel will be placed on the skin at various locations on the carotid arteries. The probe will be pressed against the skin and moved around over the area of the artery being studied. You may hear whooshing sounds which is the Doppler representation of blood flow. Both sides of the neck will be examined.
Carotid narrowing on MRI and Ultrasound
What happens after
After the examination you’re images will be analysed and a report will be produced. Your cardiologist will then be able to put the findings into context.
How LCC Helps
We can arrange the scan for you, interpret the result, and plan any treatment required. To find out more about carotid duplex scanning at LCC click below, fill in the form below to get a quick call back.