Pocket-size Cardiovascular Ultrasound in Stroke
Pocket-size Cardiovascular Ultrasound in Stroke
Among patients admitted with cerebral ischemia (stroke and transitory ischemic attack (TIA))
 it is important to reveal the underlying cause of the disease. In special it is important to
 reveal if carotid artery stenosis is present as such a finding will directly influence on
 treatment and follow-up.

 For the diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis due to atherosclerosis ultrasound examinations
 is the cornerstone, but computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may be better in
 some cases. Development of high quality pocket-sized ultrasound scanners has allowed for semi
 quantitatively bed-side assessment of the carotid arteries and the heart.

 The investigators aim to study the feasibility and reliability of bed-side assessment of the
 carotid arteries and the heart by pocket-sized ultrasound scanners and the clinical influence
 of this examination when performed by experienced users.

 The investigators hypothesize that a significant proportion of this patient population can be
 clarified bed-side with no need of further imaging procedures for the assessment of the
 carotid arteries and the heart.
Population: Approximately 100 patients admitted to the Department of Medicine, Levanger
 Hospital with history and findings suspicious of stroke/transitory ischemic attack (TIA).
 Informed consent mandatory.

 No exclusion criteria.

 Hypotheses:

 The carotid arteries and the heart can be assessed bed-side by pocket-size ultrasound
 scanners with high feasibility and reliability.

 Bed-side assessment of the carotid arteries and the heart by pocket-size ultrasound scanners
 may reduce the need for more advanced (higher cost) imaging procedures.

 Methods:

 Pocket-size imaging device from GE Ultrasound, commercial available. Approved for clinical
 use. High-end echocardiography and carotid Doppler ultrasound by high-end equipment (GE Vivid
 9) and computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging at the Department of Radiology,
 Levanger Hospital.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Admitted to the Department of Medicine with history and findings suspicious of
 (transient) cerebrovascular ischemia and willing and able to give their informed
 written consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  None