Carotid duplex

Ultrasound is a painless method that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. The test is done in a vascular lab or radiology department. The test is done in the following way: You lie on your back. Your head is supported to keep it from moving. The ultrasound technician applies a water-based gel…

No preparation is necessary.

You may feel some pressure as the transducer is moved around your neck. The pressure should not cause any pain. You may also hear a whooshing sound. This is normal.

This test checks blood flow in the carotid arteries. It can detect: Blood clotting (thrombosis) Narrowing in the arteries (stenosis) Other causes of blockage in the carotid arteries Your health care provider may order this test if: You have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) You need a follow-up test…

The results will tell your provider how open or narrowed your carotid arteries are. For example, the arteries may be 10% narrowed, 50% narrowed, or 75% narrowed. A normal result means there is no problem with the blood flow in the carotid arteries. The artery is free of any significant blockage, narrowing, or other…

An abnormal result means the artery may be narrowed, or something is changing the blood flow in the carotid arteries. This is a sign of atherosclerosis or other blood vessel conditions. In general, the more narrowed the artery is, the higher your risk for stroke. Depending on the results, your provider may want you…

There are no risks with having this procedure.

Adamczyx P, Liebeskind DS. Vascular imaging: computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and ultrasound. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 41. Bluth EI, Johnson SI,…