ABSTRACT
The SRU consensus conference recommends that all carotid ultrasounds be performed by a registered vascular sonographer using standards of an accreditation organization such as the American College of Radiology (ACR) or the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). A standard carotid ultrasound includes (i) grayscale examination, (ii) color Doppler evaluation, and (iii) spectral Doppler analysis (1). All three techniques contribute to the evaluation of disease and must be used in concert for diagnosis. In discrepancies between Doppler and gray-scale image information, finding the source of disagreement is critical. In a patient with large plaques but normal velocities, the gray-scale images may allow correct detection of a long-segment stenosis. Color Doppler often helps explain apparent discrepancies between image and spectral Doppler information (2).
