Ultrasound assessment of brain supplying arteries (extracranial)

Abstract

Ultrasonography of the brain-supplying arteries is a non-invasive and highly efficient technique for the assessment of a stenosis or a vessel occlusion in patients with cerebrovascular diseases. This article reviews the examination technique for a standardized ultrasound assessment of the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries. It further describes the multiparametric grading criteria of internal carotid artery stenosis and it gives recommendations for a standardised documentation of findings. Additionally, it proposes recommendations for intima-media thickness measurement and for classifying atherosclerotic plaques with B-mode ultrasonography. Moreover, criteria for the diagnosis of in-stent stenoses, vertebral artery dissections and subclavian steal syndrome are provided.

Preamble

Ultrasound examination of the arteries supplying the brain is a non-invasive and efficient examination method. This allows neurovascular diseases to be reliably diagnosed and followed up during their course. This article explains the structured examination procedure of the extracranial arteries and typical pathological case constellations in routine clinical application. The examination of intracranial vessels is presented separately elsewhere [1].

Introduction

The use of duplex ultrasound has increased significantly compared to Doppler sonography after previous technical development and cost reduction of the equipment. This examination method is primarily used in clinical routine and outpatient diagnostics and is the focus of this review. However, Doppler sonography continues to have value because the smaller Doppler pencil probe can be better positioned compared with the linear array transducer, and this is referred to separately in the text. In order to counteract the limitation of examiner dependence, minimum requirements for the quality and documentation of examinations are of great importance and are regularly published by the professional associations [2]. For the basics of examination techniques, please refer to the current literature [3] [4].

Documentation

For quality assurance reasons, the findings should be comprehensible on the basis of the image and curve documentation alone; clearly identifiable anatomical guide structures and/or unambiguous labeling help here. In a non-pathological case, so-called “basic documentation” is sufficient, usually image documentation in one plane ([Table 1]). If there are pathological changes or findings contributing to the diagnosis, these must also be documented; in this case, it is useful to present them in a second plane. In Doppler sonography, the frequency-time spectrum is documented, specifying the peak systolic (PSV) and maximum end-diastolic frequency (EDV), ideally stating the “mean” value (intensity weighted mean of the Doppler frequencies). In color-coded duplex ultrasonography, it is useful to display the vessel by means of color coding together with the anatomical guide structure and, at the same time, depict a Doppler spectrum derived from this as well. The current examination and performance criteria of the European Society of Neurosonology and Cerebral Hemodynamics (ESNCH) for the “International Certification in Neurosonology” provide assistance for a structured examination procedure [5].

Table 1 Recommendations for basic documentation [2].

	Duplex ultrasound
Subclavian artery	Proximal section, with Doppler spectrum (triphasic)
Common carotid artery	Longitudinal section with Doppler spectrum
Internal carotid artery	Transition of the common carotid artery into the internal carotid artery with Doppler spectrum of the internal carotid artery and Doppler spectrum in the distal section
External carotid artery	Transition of the common carotid artery into the external carotid artery with Doppler spectrum of the external carotid artery (documentation of undulations).
Vertebral artery	Course (V2 section) with Doppler spectrum and diameter determination

Note

Vessels should be imaged in the longitudinal section over the entire width of the image if possible, and the angle correction used should also be displayed on the image.

Examination course of the extracranial anterior circulation

Starting with a linear array transducer (5–10 MHz, imaging depth 3–4 cm), the common carotid artery (CCA) is imaged in the axial section from caudal to cranial up to the bifurcation with the branches of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery (ECA) in an examination procedure that is as standardized as possible. In addition, longitudinal section imaging is performed in both B-scan and duplex modes ([Fig. 1]). Intima-media thickness (IMT) can be determined in a plaque-free straight arterial segment approximately 2 cm proximal to the bulb in the CCA on the posterior vessel wall if no plaque is otherwise visualized [6] [7]. The bulbar region is a predisposition site for the formation of plaque, which should be visualized in B-scan mode in both longitudinal and cross-sectional views, although in longitudinal views the transducer often needs to be tilted in both directions to allow eccentric plaque to be visualized ([Fig. 1]). A semiquantitative classification according to Gray-Weale[8], which describes echogenicity (hypo- vs. hyperechogenic), internal structure (homo- vs. inhomogeneous), and surface (smooth vs. ulcerated) as well as calcifications (characterized by an acoustic shadow), is suitable for orientating the morphology of the plaques.

Fig. 1 Color-coded duplex imaging of carotid artery bifurcation. Bifurcation of the carotid artery in the coronal scan (left panel) with derivation of the Doppler flow profile of the ECA (middle panel; with protracted undulations for reliable identification) and the ICA (right panel; “soft” flow profile).

Caution

It should be noted that in the bulbar region retrograde flow components can often be derived in duplex mode, which are due to helical jet flow and should not be considered pathologic.

If the cranial part of the ultrasound probe is turned dorsally in the bulbar region, the proximal part of the ICA is visualized; as a vessel connected to the intracranial supply with a typically “soft” flow profile (high diastole; flow profile supplying organs or the brain) ([Fig. 1]). The ICA must be displayed as distally as possible in order to also be able to assess poststenotic flow changes. In the maxillary angle region, transverse tilting of the linear probe may be helpful, as well as adjusting the color window tilt to reduce the standoff distance, switching to a curved or sector transducer, or using a Doppler pencil probe to achieve an effective distal assessment of the hemodynamic situation.

Caution

Calcified plaques with partial acoustic shadowing may make it impossible to obtain a valid angle-corrected flow measurement.

A ventral rotation in the bifurcation region brings the ECA into focus, here with a typical, highly pulsatile flow profile compared to the ICA. A rhythmic pressure movement on the superficial temporal artery (“modulation”) has proven to be effective for the clear identification of the vessel; the continued undulations can be traced into the ECA; the documentation of these artificially produced artifacts allows this vessel to be reliably identified ([Fig. 1]).

Examination course of the extracranial posterior circulation

To examine the vertebral artery (VA), the CCA is first visualized from ventral and then the transducer is tilted slightly medially (i. e., transducer plane is tilted laterally). In a somewhat deeper region (usually > 4 cm), the vertebral artery is now visualized; the acoustic shadowing artifacts of the bony transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae serve as the anatomical guide structure ([Fig. 2], middle). In order to obtain an optimal display, the focus should be adjusted to the corresponding depth and flow velocity (reduction of the pulse repetition frequency and increase of the penetration depth necessary), a now selectable “device preset” is ideal. Alternatively, to identify the vessel, which is sometimes difficult, a setting from the origin of the vertebral artery from the subclavian artery can be attempted (V0 or V1 segment; [Fig. 2], left), and then the vessel can be followed continuously cranially. The origin of the VA is the predisposition site for stenosis. Due to the frequently waving course, these are sometimes difficult to detect, and respiratory excursions and pulsations of the aortic arch can also complicate visualization. An angle-corrected PSV > 120 cm/s is pathologic, and indirect stenosis criteria, such as flow turbulence or distal pseudo-venous flow profiles with reduced pulsatility, are often helpful. Stenoses of the VA are often very short and can only be visualized punctually; a comparison with the opposite side taking into account any hypoplasia is helpful.

Fig. 2 Imaging of the vertebral artery. Branch of the vertebral artery from the subclavian artery with V0 / V1 segment (left). Normal flow profile of the VA in the V2 segment (acoustic shadow of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae with distal acoustic shadowing as the guiding structure; the vertebral vein is also shown above the VA). Shape of the VA resembles the handle of a cup in the V3 segment (atlas loop; right).

When the V0 / V1 range is set, the subclavian artery, which can be identified by its typical triphasic flow profile, is also displayed. Rotation of the transducer into the supraclavicular fossa with the probe directed caudally may be necessary for better visualization. Stenosis of the subclavian artery results in flow acceleration, usually in the proximal segment, and loss of the triphasic profile; higher-grade stenosis results in a steal phenomenon of the ipsilateral VA (subclavian steal syndrome, [Fig. 3]).

Fig. 3 Subclavian steal syndrome of the vertebral artery. On the image, the vertebral artery is derived in the V2 segment (note the acoustic shadow of the transverse processes on the B image as an anatomical guide structure). The Doppler flow spectrum shows a typical second-degree steal phenomenon (“steal” syndrome) on the left (systolic deceleration to baseline). An upper arm compression test was performed (cuff opening after the first two cardiac cycles shown), resulting in a passive complete reversal of flow direction (third-degree steal) in the vertebral artery and proving the steal phenomenon.

Segment V2 of the VA usually begins at the level of C6 and can be traced continuously up to the atlas loop ([Fig. 2], middle). Variations in the diameter of the VA are regularly detectable (left side often dominant). There is no uniform definition of hypoplasia. In the literature, the most frequently cited absolute lumen diameter is ≤ 2.0–2.5 mm in several segments or a diameter ratio compared to the opposite side > 1:1.7 [9] [10]. There is often contralateral hyperplasia (lumen diameter ≥ 3.5 mm), low flow velocities in lateral comparison, and increased pulsatility.

In cases of uncertainty or to differentiate from the thyrocervical trunk, relayed rhythmic undulations in the V3 area may be helpful in identifying the vessel. Extracranial visualization of the VA ends with documentation of the V3 segment, the atlas loop ([Fig. 2], right). The transducer is placed here below the mastoid, the vertebral artery runs here in an arch and shows a flow towards and away from the probe (“handle of a cup”).

Higher grade proximal subclavian artery stenosis may lead to subclavian steal syndrome of the VA ([Fig. 3]), initially manifested by systolic deceleration of the flow profile (grade 1). Further advanced, there may be alternating flow (grade 2) or even completely retrograde flow of the VA (grade 3). Mild steal phenomenon can be verified by means of an “upper arm compression test”: here, a blood pressure cuff is inflated to supra-systolic values over one minute, and the air is then rapidly deflated, with continuous insonation of the VA in the V2 segment, resulting in a passive enhancement of steal by reactive hyperemia of the arm. This can be further enhanced by working with the hand by opening and closing the fist during ischemia, which can increase diagnostic certainty.

Significance of stenosis grading of the extracranial internal carotid artery

Graduation of ICA stenosis ([Fig. 4]) is an important decision criterion for recommending revascularizing therapy [11]. The NASCET measurement method (North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial), which relates the local stenosis maximum to the distal vessel diameter (“distal stenosis grade”), has become the international standard for indicating the degree of stenosis, compared with the ECST measurement method (European Carotid Surgery Trial; local stenosis maximum in relation to the original vessel diameter at the level of the stenosis; “local stenosis grade”). For example, in high-grade asymptomatic stenoses, an additional indicator of increased risk of ipsilateral ischemic events is the progression of the degree of stenosis by more than 20 % in one year under “best medical treatment” (BMT). The goal of any vascular diagnosis is therefore to grade ICA stenosis as accurately as possible [12] [13] [14]. Graduation can be based either on a single criterion, such as exceeding a threshold value of peak systolic flow velocities (PSV), possibly supplemented by additional criteria (consensus criteria of the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound; SRU; [Table 2]; [15]), or on a multiparametric approach consisting of PSV, morphologic B-scan criteria, and various indirect criteria, such as end-diastolic and poststenotic flow velocities, or evidence of bypasses (criteria of the German Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) [Table 3]; [16]).

Fig. 4 Stenosis of the internal carotid artery. Synoptic view of a high-grade stenosis of the left internal carotid artery due to predominantly hypoechoic plaque with flow velocities of 370/150 cm/s (Doppler spectrum right) and pronounced spectrum disturbances in the form of contour oscillations immediately after the stenosis maximum (Doppler spectrum middle) to distal (Doppler spectrum left). Despite poststenotic systolic velocity of > 50 cm/s, there is a degree of stenosis of 80 % according to NASCET at flow velocity > 300 cm/s systolic and retrograde intracranial left anterior cerebral artery (not shown).

Table 2 Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) Consensus Criteria [15].

Degree of stenosis	ICA PSV	ICA EDV	ICA/CCA PSV ratio
Normal	< 125 cm/s	< 40 cm/s	< 2.0
< 50 %	< 125 cm/s	< 40 cm/s	< 2.0
50–69 %	125–230 cm/s	40–100 cm/s	2.0–4.0
≥ 70 %	> 230 cm/s	> 100 cm/s	> 4.0
Subtotal	Variable	Variable	Variable
Occlusion	Cannot be determined	Cannot be determined	Cannot be determined

In cases of confirmed carotid artery plaque, the SRU uses the PSV of the ICA as the main criterion for stenosis grading according to the categories above. In addition, the EDV of the ICA and the ratio of the PSV of the ICA to the CCA can be taken into account, if the PSV of the ICA alone should not reflect the extent of the stenosis.

Table 3 Multiparametric stenosis grading of the internal carotid artery according to DEGUM [16].

Degree of stenosis (NASCET definition) (%)		10	20–40	50	60	70	80	90	Occlusion
Degree of stenosis old (ECST definition) (%)		45	50–60	70	75	80	90	95	Occlusion
Major criteria	1. B-mode	+++	+
	2. Color Doppler image	+	+++	+	+	+	+	+	+++
	3. Peak systolic velocity in the stenosis maximum (cm/s) approx.			200	250	300	350–400	100–500
	4. Peak systolic velocity poststenotic (cm/s)					> 50	< 50	< 30
	5. Collaterals and precursors (periorbital arteries/ACA)					(+)	++	+++	+++
Additional criteria	6. Diastolic flow slowing prestenotic (CCA)					(+)	++	+++	+++
	7. Flow disturbances poststenotic			+	+	++	+++	(+)
	8. End-diastolic velocity at stenosis maximum (cm/s) approx.			up to 100	up to 100	over 100	over 100
	9. Confetti sign				(+)	++	++
	10. Stenosis index ICA/CCA			≥ 2	≥ 2	≥ 4	≥ 4

DEGUM multiparametric stenosis grading uses different peak systolic and diastolic velocities as well as morphologic B-scan criteria and various indirect criteria such as the formation of bypasses.

Comments on criteria 1–10: NASCET degree of stenosis (%): The figures each relate to a 10 % range (± 5 %). Crit. 2: Detection of low-grade stenosis (local alias effect) in differentiation from non-stenotic plaque, visualization of flow direction in moderate and high-grade stenosis, and detection of vessel occlusion. Crit. 3: Criteria apply to stenosis with a length of 1–2 cm and only limited in the case of multi-vascular processes. Crit. 4: Measurement far distal, outside the zone with jet stream and flow disturbances. Crit. 5. Possibly only one of the collaterals is affected: if extracranial alone is examined, the value of the findings is lower. Crit. 9: Confetti sign is only recognizable with a low PRF. Abbreviations: ACA: Anterior cerebral artery CCA: Common carotid artery ICA: Internal carotid artery

According to the SRU consensus criteria, an ICA stenosis ≥ 50 % is present when a PSV of 125 cm/s is exceeded, and an ICA stenosis ≥ 70 % is present when a PSV of 230 cm/s is exceeded. Additional criteria are a ratio of the ICA PSV to CCA of > 2 for ICA stenosis ≥ 50 % and > 4 for ICA stenosis ≥ 70 % and end-diastolic values > 40 cm/s and 100 cm/s respectively. A retrospective analysis by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission of the USA of internal validation studies conducted for the purpose of accreditation of vascular laboratories revealed that the degree of stenosis determined by duplex sonography according to SRU criteria was often overestimated compared to the measurement of the degree of stenosis using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) [17]. An improvement in the specificity and overall accuracy of the diagnosis of ICA stenosis ≥ 50 % is achieved either by exceeding a PSV ≥ 180 cm/s or by the additional criterion of an ICA/CCA ratio ≥ 2 at a PSV between 125 and 170 cm/s. The diagnosis of ICA stenosis ≥ 70 % is enhanced by the additional criterion of an ICA/CCA ratio ≥ 3.3 at a PSV ≥ 230 cm/s[17].

Reasons for this discrepancy when PSV is used alone include both the NASCET measurement method, which does not perform planimetric measurement in the cross-section but assesses stenoses only in longitudinal section (discrepancy in round versus renal residual lumen), and the flow physics of jet flow and the measurement method of duplex ultrasonography. Thus, flow velocities do not increase linearly with the narrowing of the vessel lumen, but fall again according to the Spencer curve for very high-grade stenoses (false low grade of stenosis) [18]. Well-formed collateral circuits reduce the flow volume through the stenosis and thus reduce PSV. Contralateral occlusions, on the other hand, can increase the flow volume. The exact direction of the jet flow is often not clearly identifiable (helical winding of the jet flow through the stenosis), so that an incorrectly adjusted insonation angle can distort the measurement of PSV. Strong poststenotic turbulence after short stenoses leads to a relative predominance of low-frequency components in the Doppler frequency spectrum [19]. These limitations in measuring PSV justify the rational of a multiparametric approach to stenosis grading by DEGUM, which adds morphologic criteria of the B-scan for low-grade stenoses and indirect criteria (e. g., developed collateral circulation) for high-grade stenoses. Duplex ultrasonography of the extracranial ICA is supplemented by transcranial Doppler or duplex ultrasonography to detect collateralization via the anterior or posterior communicating artery of the arterial circle of Willis and by examination of the terminal branches of the ophthalmic (supratrochlear) artery using a 4 or 8 MHz cw Doppler pencil probe or transorbital by duplex ultrasonography of the ophthalmic artery (EJU-12–2022–4213-CE.R1, accepted for publication).

Validation of the DEGUM multiparametric grading criteria compared with the DSA showed a sensitivity of 90.2 % and specificity of 76.5 % (overall accuracy 85.9 %) for detecting ICA stenosis ≥ 50 %, and a sensitivity of 81.3 % and specificity of 68.7 % (overall accuracy 73.6 %) for detecting ICA stenosis ≥ 70 % [20]. A direct comparison of the DEGUM multiparametric graduation criteria with the SRU graduation criteria versus DSA as the “gold standard” showed a significant reduction of incorrect classifications into the category of ICA stenoses ≥ 70 % when the DEGUM criteria were used (specificity of DEGUM criteria 70.2 % versus specificity of SRU criteria 56.4 %). However, the overall accuracy did not differ significantly (85.4 % versus 84.8 % for ICA stenosis ≥ 50 % and 74.1 % versus 65.8 % for ICA stenosis ≥ 70 %) [21].

Another indirect criterion of high-grade ICA stenosis (≥ 80 %) that is not listed in [Table 3] is a partially collapsed distal vascular lumen caused by the drop in pressure distal to the stenosis. This means that the NASCET method for measuring the degree of stenosis cannot be validly used in angiography. Thus, a distal lumen of the ICA ≤ 3.2 mm on duplex ultrasound had a sensitivity of 92 % and a specificity of 96 % (overall accuracy 98.6 %) for detecting very high-grade ICA stenosis ≥ 80 % [22].

Identification of emboligenicity

Guidelines for the treatment of asymptomatic ICA stenosis ≥ 60 % recommend revascularizing treatment if there is an increased risk of ischemic events during BMT. In addition to clinically silent infarcts on cerebral imaging and the aforementioned increase in the degree of stenosis > 20 %, characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid bifurcation are particularly suitable predictors of increased embolic risk ([Fig. 5]). This includes a plaque area > 40 mm² determined by duplex ultrasound, a highly echo-deficient structure of the plaque, evidence of juxtaluminal hypoechogenic areas > 4 mm², and plaque perfusion detected by echo signal amplifiers as a surrogate for neovascularization [12] [14] [23]. Hypoechogenic plaque and contralateral stenosis or occlusion of the ICA were also associated with an increased cerebrovascular event rate in the multicenter SPACE-2 trial [24]. Other embolic factors include hemorrhage into the plaque or plaque volume detectable by MRI [25], detection of microembolism signals in transcranial Doppler/duplex ultrasound (EJU-12–2022–4213-CE.R1, accepted for publication), and limited cerebrovascular reserve capacity [13] [26]. Other ultrasound technologies such as “Advanced (Superb) Microvascular Imaging” to assess plaque perfusion and potential emboligenicity are now being used and can provide additional information here [27] [28].

Fig. 5 Typical plaques at the carotid bifurcation. Large and predominantly hypoechoic plaque in a patient with ipsilateral cerebral ischemia (left; hypoechogenic plaque rupture). A stenosing, calcified plaque is shown in the center, resulting in distal acoustic shadowing. Hypoechoic plaque with partially calcified portions in the lower region (right).

A major advantage of duplex ultrasound is the ability to assess progression non-invasively, which may represent a dynamization/change in plaque morphology/grade of stenosis and thus contribute to personalized stroke risk assessment. The simplified visualization of the collected findings to the patient can also be well realized and makes a positive contribution to reducing the individual cardiovascular risk [29].

Dissections of the carotid and vertebral arteries

Spontaneous dissections of the carotid and vertebral arteries occur by rupture of the vasa vasorum and primarily without rupture of the intima. This results in a mural hematoma that constricts the vessel lumen and may secondarily rupture into the lumen by the intima tearing ([Fig. 6]). Spontaneous dissections of the ICA typically develop in the vascular section before entering the petrous bone and can extend caudally to just above the carotid bifurcation. A typical sonographic finding of ICA dissection is an elongated, tapered stenosis with an eccentrically located low-echo mural hematoma in the distal section. The stenosis maximum is usually too far distal to graduate the stenosis [30]. Proximal CCA dissections should be promptly evaluated for suspected aortic dissection if diagnosed for the first time.

Fig. 6 Dissection of the vertebral artery. The distal segment of the extracranial vertebral artery (V3) can be seen in the image. Typical of a dissection, a hypoechoic mural hematoma (yellow arrows) can be seen stenosing the vessel, while a small aneurysm has formed further along (blue arrow).

VA dissections most commonly occur in the V3 segment above or below the first cervical vertebra or when passing through the dura in the foramen magnum, as the vessel is partially fixed there by connective tissue and can be injured during jerky shearing movements. From here, the dissection may continue cranially to intracranially and caudally over a longer distance. In vertebral artery dissections, a mural hematoma can often be detected in the vascular segments between the transverse processes of the cervical vertebral bodies. A double lumen, on the other hand, is rare. In the case of a high-grade luminal narrowing at the level of the atlas loop, a “sloshing phenomenon” can be detected in the V2 segment [30]. Hematoma-related vascular narrowing must not be confused with large vessel vasculitis, which is often concentric and longer in distance ([Fig. 7]).

Fig. 7 Differential diagnosis of concentric vasoconstriction. Halo phenomenon of the temporal artery in a 75-year-old female patient with cranial arteritis (left, top); the vertebral artery is also involved (left, bottom) and shows a marked hypoechogenic rim. Right: B-mode image of the CCA of a young patient with Takayasu’s arteritis shows long-stretch concentric involvement of the vessel wall.

Note

In the presence of high-grade luminal narrowing at the level of the skull base, flow obstruction can be detected by indirect criteria of increased pulsatility of the Doppler spectral waveform of the ICA and CCA.

Stents in the internal carotid artery

Due to a decrease in vessel compliance and change in measurable flow phenomena, flow velocities are somewhat higher in stenosis within a stent than in “normal” constrictions. A PSV > 225 cm/s for 50 % and a PSV > 350 cm/s for 70 % can be considered as a threshold for in-stent residual stenosis [31].

Conflict of Interest

Declaration of financial interests

Receipt of research funding: Yes, from another institution (pharmaceutical or medical technology company, etc.); receipt of payment/financial advantage for providing services as a lecturer: no; paid consultant/internal trainer/salaried employee: no; patent/business interest/shares (author/partner, spouse, children) in company: no; patent/business interest/shares (author/partner, spouse, children) in sponsor of this CME article or in company whose interests are affected by the CME article: no.

Declaration of non-financial interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

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Publication History

Article published online:
14 November 2023