Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of the arteries characterized by the gradual accumulation of fatty material, calcium, and other substances in the vessel walls, forming plaques that narrow the lumen and restrict blood flow. Ultrasound, particularly carotid duplex scanning, is one of the primary tools for evaluating atherosclerosis because it can directly visualize plaque, measure the degree of narrowing, and assess blood flow through affected vessels. Sonographers characterize plaques as calcified, fibrous, or soft, and estimate the percentage of stenosis using both direct measurements and Doppler velocity criteria. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most heart attacks and strokes, making its detection through vascular ultrasound a critically important part of preventive healthcare.
Sonography Term