Abstract

CLAVIJO RODRIGUEZ, Tania. Imaging-based diagnosis of the carotid disease. Rev Cubana Angiol Cir Vasc. [online]. 2014, vol.15, n.2, pp. 129-144. ISSN 1682-0037.

Introduction: the extracranial carotid atheromatosis causes approximately 30% of strokes in the carotic area. The carotid disease is an early manifestation of subclinical atherosclerosis. It can be diagnosed from the clinical point of view and through neuroimaging studies. Objectives: to analyze the most relevant aspects of imaging-based diagnosis of the carotid disease and the general knowledge of the carotid circulation anatomy. Methods: in the consulted databases (MedLine, academic Google, Cumed, SciELO Cuba), the most relevant aspects of non- invasive diagnosis of the extracranial cerebrovascular disease were reviewed. Information synthesis: it was found that confirming the existence and the characteristics of the carotid bifurcation lesion requires three non-invasive diagnostic modalities: Doppler echography, nuclear magnetic resonance plus magnetic angioresonance, and the study based on computerized axial tomography and computerized axial angiotomography. These modalities study the arterial volume and the characteristics of the wall, in addition to reporting on the vulnerability of the atheroma plaque. Conclusions: the precision of non-invasive methods has aroused expectations in the pre-operative evaluation for the carotid endarterectomy, it avoids risks and additional costs of catheter arteriography. The early diagnosis allows developing rules of therapeutic intervention to improve prognosis. At present, the development of imaging has contributed to better knowledge of this illness.

Keywords : carotid disease; stenosis; non- invasive diagnosis; endarterectomy; extracranial cerebrovascular disease.

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