Imaging should not be performed on patients with a known history of significant atherosclerotic vascular disease. CIMT protocols are in place to help identify patients who are at risk for atherosclerotic plaque formation and vascular disease progression. If it is known that the patient has cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, CIMT protocols are not needed. Follow-up studies of CIMT to check progression or regression are not recommended in the clinical setting.
Patients who should be considered are patients at intermediate risk for carotid vascular diseases, such as patients who have peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, or abdominal aortic aneurysm. Other patients to be considered for CIMT protocols are patients with a family history of premature cerebrovascular disease (men younger than 55 and women younger than 65).
