Carotid duplex ultrasound: interpretations and clinical applications

Abstract

Carotid duplex ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose various carotid artery diseases due to it being noninvasive and easy to perform. Carotid atherosclerosis is a major indicator for the need to perform carotid duplex ultrasound, which can determine the degree of stenosis, plaque characteristics, and intima-media thickness. It can also be used to screen and follow-up after carotid revascularization. Here we discuss the standard techniques, interpretations, and clinical indicators for carotid duplex ultrasounds.