Carotid Artery & Abdominal Aortic Diagnostics
The carotid arteries are two large blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain. With carotid artery disease, the arteries become narrow, due to a buildup of cholesterol and plaque. If a blood clot sticks in the narrowed arteries, blood is kept from reaching the brain. This is one of the causes of stroke.
Carotid artery disease often does not cause symptoms, but a diagnostic ultrasound can detect it early. When the disease is detected early, vascular specialists can perform procedures that are effective in preventing stroke. Here are some of the tests available to screen for carotid artery disease.
Carotid Duplex: This ultrasound procedure can detect carotid artery disease, such as blood clots, plaque buildup, and other blood flow problems in the carotid arteries.
The abdominal aorta is the artery that runs through the middle of the abdomen and supplies blood to the lower half of the body. Similar to the way the carotid artery can become compromised, the buildup of cholesterol and plaque can form on the walls of the abdominal aorta and weaken it. Eventually, blockage may result in a bulge that can lead to aneurysm.
Aorta Ultrasound Scan: An aorta ultrasound exam can diagnose aneurysms that develop in the abdominal aorta. It is also used to follow patients who have undergone aortic procedures including aortic endograft and aortic open repair aneurysm.