[Endovascular management of carotid atherosclerosis. Section I: basic considerations and diagnostic elements].

Carotid atherosclerosis accounts for about 25 % of all ischemic cerebrovascular events. A thorough knowledge of the pathophysiology of the plaque and its clinical consequences are fundamental elements for a well-balanced approach of the management of the disease. The evolution of the imaging techniques allow to visualize the plaque and the analysis of its structure and characteristics. The awareness of the physiopathology and the understanding of the imaging modalities are key issues when planning the treatment of the patient.