[Carotid artery investigation by real time ultrasonic imaging (author's transl)].

Ultrasonography examination enables vascular lesions in the main cervical arteries to be relatively easily recognized in patients with hemodynamic disturbances, but these changes are no longer present when the vascular anomalies are not functional. A non-invasive method for detailed visualization of the carotid axis was developed, by the use of rapid continuous ultrasonography. This can reveal the presence of unsuspected atheromatous plaques during the stage when prevention is still possible, and can complement certain investigations of doubtful value that had suggested that atheromatous plaques existed.