B‑Mode Ultrasonographic Findings of Carotid Artery in Stroke

Background: Stroke is a major medical disorder caused by an abrupt interruption of blood supply to the brain resulting in loss of neurological function. B‑mode ultrasonography is a readily available test that is employed to visualize the extracranial carotid arteries implicated as a major source of emboli to cerebral arteries. Aim and Objective: We aimed to evaluate the pattern of carotid artery disease using B‑mode ultrasonography in adults with computed tomography scan‑confirmed stroke in Jos University Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a cross‑sectional study conducted at the Radiology Department of Jos University Teaching Hospital. The study population was made up of 120 consenting stroke patients where a structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information. A GE Medical System Logiq 5 Expert with 10 MHz linear probe was used to examine the extracranial carotid arteries from their origin to the angle of the mandible. Results: One hundred and twenty patients were recruited comprising 63 males (52.5%) and 57 females (47.5%). Three‑fifth of the patients 72 (60.0%) had intima–media thickness of >0.9 mm seen in the right common and internal carotid arteries in 56 (46.7%) and 65 (54.2) patients, respectively, and left common and internal carotid arteries in 69 (57.5%) and 66 (55.0%) patients, respectively. Plaques were seen in 58 (48.0%) patients. Eleven (19%) had smooth‑surfaced plaques while 33 (57.0%) had irregular/ulcerated surfaced plaques which were unilateral in 21 (36.0%) and bilateral in 12 (21.0%) patients. Mixed (smooth and irregular/ulcerated) and bilateral were seen in 14 (24.0%) patients. Conclusion: Carotid artery diseases are a significant finding in stroke patients. These findings showed the importance of B‑mode ultrasonographic examination of the extracranial carotid arteries as key in predicting patients at risk of stroke development.