Ultrasound evaluation of atherosclerosis. Methodological problems and technological developments.

Abstract

The evaluation of atherosclerosis requires the definition of the object to be measured and of the questions the investigation is required to answer. In the first part of this paper some of the problems that arise when planning and defining evaluation of atherosclerosis are discussed. The second part is a review of the principal methods based on ultrasound technology. The working principles and clinical applications of each method are discussed. The rationale of each type of instrument with respect to others is highlighted.