[Main aspects of ultrasound studies of carotid artery atherosclerotic lesions in clinical practice].

The authors summarize results of the joint work of Departments of Vascular Surgery and Ultrasound Diagnosis, A.V. Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery. The main aspects of US study of patients with atherosclerotic carotid lesions are discussed necessary for comprehensive and high-quality examination taking into account severity of occlusion and anatomical features of carotid arteries. Structural characteristic of atherosclerotic plaques is presented based on the comparison of results of US and morphological studies. Analysis of plaque morphology and clinical features of the disease was used to develop classification distinguishing 6 main types of atherosclerotic plaques. Complicated diagnostic situations are considered that can be encountered during US diagnostics of atherosclerotic carotid lesions.