Using Power Doppler Imaging, a component of color flow Doppler ultrasound, radiologists are able to identify patients at risk for stroke due to atherosclerosis.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
It is the result of clogged carotid arteries or carotid stenosis due to atherosclerosis. And is the first accurate step in the identification of those patients who are truly in need of treatment. And limit further testing to those truly at risk. Those with an abnormal test will be referred for further evaluation with either a complete duplex ultrasound exam, a CT, MR or angiogram depending on their doctor's recommendation. This study suggests that in the beginning, the screening process should focus on individuals who have at least one risk factor in addition to age.