[Sonographic assessment of tumorous infiltrations of the extracranial carotid artery].

The role of sonography in evaluation of tumorous infiltrations of the wall of the cervical arteries is discussed upon 75 patients with histologically proved lymphnode metastasis. Direct signs for the infiltration--loss of the echogenic wall of the arteries and indirect signs--length and circumference of the tumor/vessel contact area are evaluated. In 9 patients the infiltrations were correctly diagnosed, 4 patients were false positive. The technic of the sonographic investigation and potential pitfalls are demonstrated. The role of other investigation modalities are discussed.