Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Detects Carotid Artery Plaque Rupture: A Case Report

Carotid artery plaque rupture leading to stroke is a frequent neurological emergency, typically diagnosed using CTA and DSA examinations. This report presents a unique case where contrast-enhanced ultrasound clearly identified the stroke's cause as a ruptured vulnerable plaque in the carotid artery, leading to a floating thrombus. This rare application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound demonstrates its practicality in identifying carotid artery plaque rupture as a cause of stroke. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound offers numerous benefits over traditional imaging modalities, including convenience, speed, lack of radiation exposure, non-nephrotoxicity, real-time imaging capabilities, and suitability for bedside examinations.