Ultrasound of the carotid arteries: a pictorial review

Stroke secondary to atherosclerotic disease remains one of the leading causes of death. Ischemia from severe, flow limiting stenosis due to atherosclerotic disease involving the extracranial carotid arteries is implicated in approximately 20-30% of strokes. An estimated 80% of strokes are thromboembolic in origin, often with carotid plaque as the embolic source, usually involving the internal carotid artery within 2 cm of the carotid …