The ultrasound test can detect if there is a reduction of blood flow through the carotid artery. The blood flow restriction can be caused by plaque formed on the inside of the artery. If the carotid ultrasound shows there is a blockage, does this mean the blockage is strictly caused by what’s happening “inside” of the artery? Can it also be caused by a “pinched” artery, or by an external tumor near the artery?
2006-09-03 04:32:16 · 4 answers · asked by cwcu99 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
the ultrasound will only detect if there is a blockage and can give you a rough quantitative percentage (i.e. 50% blockage). it will not tell you what's causing the blockage, although the vast majority of cases occur due to atherosclerotic disease, i.e. plaque inside the artery. external tumor compressing the artery is possible although much more rare. it should be relatively easy to differentiate on angiogram or MRI. a tumor compressing the artery will only be pushing on one side of the artery whereas atherosclerosis is usually circumferential (involves all sides of the artery).
2006-09-03 05:06:26 · answer #1 · answered by belfus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In any radiological study - even though ultrasound does not use radiation, it is still consider a radiological study - to view different structures you need a gradient. For example, an x-ray of your chest. Bones block x-rays and, therefore, it appears white. Next, muscles and connective tissue block some x-rays, while others pass through, and appear opaq but not solid white. Next, air in the lungs do not block x-rays and appears black. The same principals apply in ultrasound, it detects changes from going from one form of tissue to another. A sound wave is used to display a two dimensional picture of the underlying tissue. There is a gradient between the walls of the artery and the tissue surronding it. If a tumor is present then you should see it pressing against the wall of the artery since there is an interface between the walls of the artery and the tumor. The latter is much different where the wall of the artery is not "pinched" but rather plaques within the artery is disrupting blood flow.
2006-09-03 11:53:39 · answer #2 · answered by What the...?!? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The ultrasound should show whether blockage is inside or caused by tumor. Tumor should also be at one spot only and may even be palpable. Blockage or plaque usually extends for a long length of carotid and a carotid endarterectomy is usually performed to remove plaque and restore proper circulation of blood to brain.
2006-09-03 11:37:28 · answer #3 · answered by petlover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Carotid blockage causes a "brain attack" a/k/a stroke. It is an emergent situation that needs immediate medical care.
2006-09-03 11:38:13 · answer #4 · answered by kobacker59 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋