PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which diagnostic study is the choice for confirming carotid disease?

1. CT scan

2. Doppler ultrasound

3. Transesophageal echocardiogram

4. Chest x-ray

The correct answer is: Doppler ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is the preferred diagnostic study for confirming carotid disease due to its ability to visualize blood flow in the carotid arteries in real-time. This non-invasive test employs sound waves to create images of the arteries and assess for any blockages or narrowing (stenosis). It provides information about the velocity of blood flow, which is crucial for evaluating the severity of carotid artery disease. Other imaging modalities, such as a CT scan and transesophageal echocardiogram, are valuable in different contexts but do not specifically provide the same degree of detail regarding flow dynamics and stenosis as Doppler ultrasound. A chest x-ray is not relevant for diagnosing carotid artery issues as it primarily evaluates lung and heart conditions, rather than vascular pathology. Therefore, Doppler ultrasound stands out as the most reliable and specific choice for diagnosing carotid disease.