Author/Editor		Videčnik, Viktor
Title		Pomen dvojnega ultrazvočnega prikaza karotidnih arterij pri odkrivanju zgodnjih oblik ateroskleroze in ultrazvočna klasifikacija aterosklerotičnih leh v karotidnih arterijah
Translated title		The role of carotid artery duplex scaning in early detection of atherosclerosis and ultrasound classification of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries
Type		članek
Source		In: Poredoš P, Denišlič M, editors. Zbornik prispevkov Motnje spomina in žilni dejavniki; 2001 maj 11-12; Portorož. Ljubljana: Pfizer HCP,
Publication year		2001
Volume		str. 32-40
Language		slo
Abstract		Atherosclerosis of carotid arteries is not only the main cause of ischaemic cerebral stroke, but also reliable marker of systemic, especially coronary atherosclerosis. The risk of ischaemic event does not depend only on the degree of carotid artery stenosis, but also on plaquae characteristics. With unstable plaque the risk for an ishaemic stroke is 7-8 times higher than with stable plaques. Atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries vary in composition, surface, movement and embolic potential. Ultrasonography has became the method of choice for assesing carotid artery plaque type, size, localisation, because of its non-invasiveness, reproducibility and its agreement with histological findings. In 1996 an international consensus on the contemporary ultrasonographic characterization of carotid artery plaques was reached. Plaques were classified into five types according to echogenicity (from echolucent to hyperechogenic), composition (homogenious to heterogenious), surface (smooth, rough, ulcerated) and movement. Ultrasonic measurement of the common carotid artery intima-media thickness provides assessment of the presence and progression of atherosclerosis due to its close correlation with cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis in other arteries (coronary, peripheral arteries). It may be used to study the natural history of the disease, especially in population based studies.
Descriptors		CAROTID ARTERY DISEASES ARTERIOSCLEROSIS ULTRASONOGRAPHY, DOPPLER, DUPLEX