Duplex ultrasound examination using the velocity ratio criterion achieved an overall accuracy of 88% and sensitivity or specificity up to 97% for detecting flow-limiting carotid stenosis.
Observational (n=50)
Duplex ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries using high-resolution realtime imaging and pulsed Doppler flow measurements with velocity spectrum analysis was performed on a series of 50 consecutive patients (100 vessels), and findings were compared with findings of conventional carotid arteriography. The criteria for an abnormal duplex examination included: a velocity ratio of 1.5 or more (ratio of the maximum internal carotid artery ICA flow velocity to the maximum common carotid artery flow velocity); turbulence, as indicated by an ICA velocity spectral width of 40 cm per second or more; visible plaque that produced an ICA stenosis of 50% or more; a maximum ICA velocity of 100 cm per second or more; and inability to detect ICA flow. A flow-limiting stenosis was defined arteriographically as a 50% or greater stenosis of the diameter of the arterial lumen. The velocity ratio was the best single duplex criterion, with an overall accuracy of 88%. The sensitivity or specificity of the duplex examination was as high as 97%, depending on the number of duplex criteria that were abnormal.
Garth et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Carotid artery stenosis (n=50). Duplex ultrasound examination vs. Conventional carotid arteriography was evaluated on Detection of flow-limiting stenosis (≥50% stenosis). Duplex ultrasound examination using the velocity ratio criterion achieved an overall accuracy of 88% and sensitivity or specificity up to 97% for detecting flow-limiting carotid stenosis.
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