Key result
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound improves the signal-to-noise ratio and compensates for shortcomings in standard ultrasound, allowing accurate grading of carotid stenosis in difficult situations.
Why the study?
Does contrast-enhanced ultrasound improve diagnostic assessment in patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease?
Does contrast-enhanced ultrasound improve diagnostic assessment in patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease?
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a safe and effective method to overcome the practical limitations of standard ultrasound, improving diagnostic accuracy for carotid stenosis and intracranial artery assessment.
Contrast-enhanced transcranial sonography may aid visualization when skull attenuation limits standard imaging; leaves open routine use pending prospective validation.
Sonography is recognized as the best screening tool for detecting carotid artery stenosis. Nevertheless, cervical ultrasound examination is subject to practical limitations in some rare circumstances. Transcranial sonography is now included in the evaluation of patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease, but attenuation of the ultrasound signal by the skull is common. Contrast agents are known to amplify the reflection of ultrasonic energy and to improve the signal : noise ratio. They can in most cases compensate for the shortcomings encountered in the ultrasound cerebrovascular examination. They are safe and well tolerated. In difficult situations they allow an accurate grading of carotid stenosis and an improved assessment of the intra-cranial arteries. They also enlarge the role of transcranial Doppler.
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Ghislaine Deklunder (2002) conducted a review in Cerebrovascular disease. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound vs. Standard ultrasound was evaluated. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound improves the signal-to-noise ratio and compensates for shortcomings in standard ultrasound, allowing accurate grading of carotid stenosis in difficult situations.
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