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Multidetector-row CT angiography in the study of atherosclerotic carotid arteries

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Abstract

Pathologies of the carotid arteries, and in particular atherosclerosis, are now an important medical problem. Stroke is the third leading cause of severe disability in the Western World leading to millions of deaths every year. Extracranial carotid atherosclerotic disease is the major risk factor for stroke. In years, with the advent of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) scanners and the use of specific angiographic protocols (MDCTA), CT imaging of the carotid arteries has become increasingly effective. In addition, the volume data obtained can be further rendered to generate high-quality two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. The purpose of this study was to review the atherosclerotic carotid arteries, their complications and how MDCTA depicts them, underlining the benefits and pitfalls of this diagnostic technique.

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We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Policlinico Universitario, s.s. 554 Monserrato, 09045, Cagliari, Italy

    Luca Saba & Giorgio Mallarini

  2. Institute of Radiology, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, 46 Hospital Street, 09126, Cagliari, Italy

    Giorgio Mallarini

  3. Department of Vascular Surgery, Policlinico Universitario, s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari), 09045, Cagliari, Italy

    Roberto Sanfilippo & Roberto Montisci

  4. Division of Cardiology, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari 46 Hospital Street, 09126, Cagliari, Italy

    Raimondo Pirisi

  5. Division of Internal Medicine, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari 46 Hospital Street, 09126, Cagliari, Italy

    Luigi Pascalis

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  1. Luca Saba
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  2. Roberto Sanfilippo
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  3. Raimondo Pirisi
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  4. Luigi Pascalis
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  5. Roberto Montisci
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  6. Giorgio Mallarini
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Correspondence to Luca Saba.

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Saba, L., Sanfilippo, R., Pirisi, R. et al. Multidetector-row CT angiography in the study of atherosclerotic carotid arteries. Neuroradiology 49, 623–637 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-007-0244-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-007-0244-y

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