http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/images/cad_anatomy.jpgCarotid Artery Disease is the buildup of plaque in the vessels (the carotid arteries) that allow blood flow to the head/brain. This process is slow and happens gradually over time; therefore, patents may not exhibit symptoms until further complications occur. The plaque can cause stenosis of the artery (slowing blood flow) or completely occlude the artery (stopping blood flow). As mentioned before, in the developing stages the patient may not have symptoms until blood flow to the brain is inhibited; this is known as a stroke or a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack). Symptoms that indicated a stroke include: weakness (typically on a single side of the body), trouble speaking, and sudden vision problems. It is critical that patients seek help at the onset of stroke-like symptoms; as this indicates that the brain isn't getting accurate blood flow. While a TIA isn't considered a full blown stroke, it is often a warning sign for such an incident.
Risk factors for carotid artery disease include: age, obesity, smoking, hypertension, heredity, sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes. All of the factors play into plaque buildup in the artery and changing of the artery walls from smooth and healthy to stiff and narrow. Plaques is a combination of cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other cellular debris; and can build in various vessels throughout the body. The disease can be diagnosed using different imaging modalities, such as MRI, CT, Ultrasound, or Arteriography. While lifestyle changes can reduce progression of the pathology in early stages, medications and/or invasive procedur
es may be utilized if complications occur. These medications may include blood thinners, such as aspirin. More serious cases may call for endarterectomy (surgical removal of plaque) or carotid stenting/ angioplasty (a catheter is used to deploy a stent into the vessel). These procedures have there own risks involved. For example, a piece of plaque can be dislodged and cause problems else where in the vessel, dissection of the vessel (break in the artery wall), or hemorrhage (bleeding out).http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carotid-artery-disease/DS01030/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
nice post. Special CT scans are done to study the paranasal sinuses. This is useful if sinusitis is suspected. A typical series of CT scans for the sinuses use less x-ray radiation than a standard complete set of x-rays.
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