Is Carotid Ultrasound Necessary in the Evaluation of the Asymptomatic Hollenhorst Plaque?

Hollenhorst plaques are cholesterol emboli deposited within retinal arterioles. A few studies have evaluated the relationship between Hollenhorst plaques and surgically correctable carotid disease. For patients with Hollenhorst plaques and symptoms of retinal ischemia, an evaluation for carotid occlusive disease is appropriate. However, there is a paucity of evidence and lack of consensus on the utility of carotid ultrasonography, and the workup and outcomes of patients with asymptomatic Hollenhorst plaques. Some authors believe that an incidental Hollenhorst plaque could be a marker of a past embolic event and that the (Read more...)

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