A perspective on noninvasive diagnosis of carotid disease

Abstract

This editorial helps to put in perspective developments in noninvasive diagnosis of carotid disease. Noninvasive testing should not replace arteriography. It can be important in evaluating patients with suspected carotid lesions and in providing insights into the natural history and pathophysiology of carotid disease. No best test exists; rather, a battery of tests is most effective for noninvasive diagnosis of carotid disease. The techniques for noninvasive diagnosis are divided into direct and indirect tests. The direct tests examine the anatomy and/or physiology of the carotid artery itself. The indirect tests examine for hemodynamic changes in distal beds such as the orbital and cerebral circulations.