131 - ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK STRATIFICATION - A NEW PARADIGM EMERGES WITH CAROTID ULTRASOUND

In this workshop presenters discuss the powerful, yet under-recognized role of carotid ultrasound to refine stratification of patients suspected of having atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Arterial plaque assessment has emerged as a robust and easily performed predictor of cardiovascular events supported by extensive outcome studies. Recently, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), endorsed by the CSE, has established new guidelines for carotid plaque quantification and clinical integration in the the evaluation of cardiovascular risk. In this workshop, we present this clinical approach for the integration of vascular disease evaluation, mainly by carotid ultrasound, in the assessment of patients both in community practice and tertiary centres. The goal of this workshop is to improve understanding and increase utilization of the non-invasive assessment of cardiovascular disease risk by carotid ultrasound. The role of contrast enhanced ultrasound to assess plaque composition and the role of carotid POCUS to provide a rapid bedside assessment is also presented.
This workshop will be 45 minutes long; each speaker will be given 7 minutes to work through illustrative cases that will focus on recognition of key imaging findings or present key summary points from the clinical literature and guidelines. The case-based presentations will highlight important acquisition and interpretation of ultrasound parameters, with subsequent integration into diagnosis and management. Participants will engage through audience response system multiple choice questions tailored to each topic, followed by a 15 minute review of responses and open question and answer period. Chairs will encourage active question and discussion throughout the session.