[Computer-assisted tomography, B-scan sonography and cerebral angiography in obliterations of the carotid artery (author's transl)].

The real-time-B-scan is a new and essential method for diagnosing carotid stenoses. Whereas computer-assisted tomography shows only a minor sensitivity for detection of obliterations of cervical arteries, B-scan sonography has high sensitivity and specificity. B-scans should be increasingly performed both after uncertain clinical and computer tomographic findings prior to angiography of extracranial cerebral vessels. A more stringent indication for angiography and thus avoidance of investigational and irradiation risk can be achieved. Wide use of B-scan sonography may, through early recognition of carotid obliterations, lead to prevention of cerebral insults as patients can undergo vascular surgery at an early stage.