Sru Consensus Web Over Ica

Ultrasound Assessment for Carotid Atherosclerosis

SRU Consensus: WEB over ICA

Ultrasound assessment of carotid arterial atherosclerotic disease (CAD) has emerged as the preferred method for evaluating carotid health. According to the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) consensus, WEB (whole extracranial carotid artery) ultrasound provides a more comprehensive and accurate assessment compared to ICA (internal carotid artery) ultrasound alone.

Advantages of WEB Ultrasound

WEB ultrasound offers several advantages over ICA ultrasound, including:

• Improved detection of carotid artery stenosis, the narrowing of the artery lumen
• Enhanced assessment of plaque morphology, enabling more precise risk stratification
• Ability to evaluate both the proximal and distal segments of the carotid artery

Clinical Significance of ICA Disease

Compared to MCA (middle cerebral artery) disease, ICA disease poses more serious clinical and radiological manifestations. This is due to the proximity of the ICA to the brain, making it more prone to emboli and stroke events.

The clinical manifestations of proximal extracranial internal carotid artery disease can include:

• Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
• Stroke
• Amaurosis fugax (temporary loss of vision)
• Carotid bruit (an abnormal sound heard over the carotid artery)

Conclusion

WEB ultrasound assessment of carotid CAD provides a more comprehensive and accurate assessment compared to ICA ultrasound alone. It is the preferred method for evaluating carotid health and identifying individuals at risk for stroke events.