What is a common indicator of stenosis in carotid arteries on ultrasound?

What is a common indicator of stenosis in carotid arteries on ultrasound?

• A. Presence of color Doppler flow
• B. Decreased peak systolic velocity
• C. Increased peak systolic velocity
• D. Stable blood flow patterns

Answer: (C)

Increased peak systolic velocity is a critical indicator of stenosis in carotid arteries observed through ultrasound. When a narrowing, or stenosis, occurs in the arteries, it creates a constricted area that accelerates blood flow as it passes through. This increase in velocity are often considered a hallmark sign of significant stenosis. In a healthy artery, blood flows at a relatively consistent speed, but once stenosis occurs, the disrupted flow results in markedly higher peak systolic velocities. These measurements can help differentiate the severity of the stenosis; higher values typically indicate more significant narrowing. Therefore, an increase in peak systolic velocity serves as a reliable method for assessing the degree of carotid artery stenosis.

Increased peak systolic velocity is a critical indicator of stenosis in carotid arteries observed through ultrasound. When a narrowing, or stenosis, occurs in the arteries, it creates a constricted area that accelerates blood flow as it passes through. This increase in velocity are often considered a hallmark sign of significant stenosis.

In a healthy artery, blood flows at a relatively consistent speed, but once stenosis occurs, the disrupted flow results in markedly higher peak systolic velocities. These measurements can help differentiate the severity of the stenosis; higher values typically indicate more significant narrowing. Therefore, an increase in peak systolic velocity serves as a reliable method for assessing the degree of carotid artery stenosis.