VT Carotid & Vertebral Ultrasound 3

Question 1

A hypoechoic, homogeneous plaque in the ICA is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Soft or lipid-rich plaque associated with higher embolic risk

Answer

Hypoechoic homogeneous plaques are considered soft or lipid-rich and carry higher embolic risk compared to echogenic fibrous or calcified plaques.

Question 2

What is the recommended Doppler angle of insonation for carotid duplex velocity measurements?

Accepted Answer

60 degrees

Answer

A 60-degree Doppler angle is the standard for carotid duplex because it balances accuracy with practical beam-to-vessel angle constraints.

Question 3

In a patient with bilateral carotid stenosis, which hemodynamic change may occur in the contralateral CCA?

Accepted Answer

Increased PSV due to compensatory collateral flow

Answer

Contralateral CCA PSV may increase as compensatory collateral circulation develops through the circle of Willis to supply the hemisphere with the more severe stenosis.

Question 4

Which ultrasound finding is most characteristic of carotid artery dissection?

Accepted Answer

Double lumen with an intimal flap

Answer

Carotid dissection classically shows a double lumen separated by an echogenic intimal flap, with the false lumen often demonstrating slow or reversed flow.

Question 5

End-diastolic velocity (EDV) in the ICA is particularly useful because it:

Accepted Answer

Correlates with the degree of distal cerebral resistance

Answer

EDV reflects downstream cerebrovascular resistance; in high-grade ICA stenosis, EDV rises markedly because the brain vasodilates to maintain perfusion pressure.

(VT) Vascular Technician Certification Practice Test

(VT) Vascular Technician Certification Practice Test

VT Carotid & Vertebral Ultrasound 3