Which test is used to noninvasively assess carotid plaques?

• A. Echocardiography
• B. MRI brain
• C. Carotid duplex ultrasound
• D. CT angiography

Answer: (C)

Carotid duplex ultrasound is the test used to noninvasively assess carotid plaques. It combines two imaging approaches: B-mode ultrasound to visualize the vessel walls and any plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, and Doppler ultrasound to measure the speed and pattern of blood flow. From the Doppler data, you can estimate how much the artery is narrowed (stenosis) and evaluate plaque characteristics such as echogenicity and potential ulceration. This makes it a practical, safe, and widely available first-line option for screening and evaluating carotid atherosclerosis without exposing the patient to radiation or contrast agents.

Other tests have different roles: echocardiography is focused on the heart, not the carotid arteries; MRI brain assesses brain tissue and can offer some plaque information but is not the standard method for evaluating carotid plaques; CT angiography provides detailed vessel anatomy and plaque visualization but involves radiation exposure and contrast, so it’s less ideal as a first-line noninvasive screening for carotid plaque.