Clinical Significance of Carotid Intima-Media Complex and Carotid Plaque Assessment by Ultrasound for the Prediction of Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Primary and Secondary Care Patients
Anna Kabłak-Ziembicka, Tadeusz Przewłocki
Abstract
Recently published recommendations from the American Society of Echocardiography on 'Carotid Arterial Plaque Assessment by Ultrasound for the Characterization of Atherosclerosis and Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk' provoked discussion once more on the potential clinical applications of carotid intima-media complex thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaque assessment in the context of cardiovascular risk in both primary and secondary care patients. This review paper addresses key issues and milestones regarding indications, assessment, technical aspects, recommendations, and interpretations of CIMT and carotid plaque findings. We discuss lacks of evidence, limitations, and possible future directions.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineIntima-media thicknessContext (archaeology)UltrasoundPrimary careRisk assessmentCarotid arteriesCardiologyClinical significanceInternal medicineIntensive care medicineRadiologyPaleontologyBiologyComputer scienceFamily medicineComputer securityCardiovascular Health and Disease PreventionCerebrovascular and Carotid Artery DiseasesBlood Pressure and Hypertension Studies