Key result
Sonographer survey reveals ~53% prefer a constant 60° ICA Doppler angle over a convenient angle.
Why the study?
There is a lack of consensus among sonographers on whether to use a constant 60° Doppler insonation angle or a convenient angle of 60° or less for ICA stenosis assessment.
Cross-Sectional (n=19)
No
Absolute Event Rate: 52.6% vs 47.4%
There is discontinuity among sonographers regarding the use of a constant 60° versus a convenient insonation angle for carotid artery Doppler studies, which varies by experience level.
Variability in sonographer Doppler angle selection may affect carotid measurement consistency; leaves open need for standardization and validation studies.
Introduction Stenosis of the internal carotid arteries (ICAs) increases the risk of stroke. ICA stenosis is routinely assessed with Doppler ultrasound. The current need for diagnostic imaging accuracy and unity is invaluable. Limits are in place to complete ultrasound examinations using insonation angles of 60° or less. The diagnostic community is separated into two groups: (1) those that use a constant 60° angle and (2) those that use an angle of 60° or less. Methods A pilot study was undertaken where a survey was circulated throughout a single private company with 19 sonographers of varying experience participating. The aim was to evaluate the most common method of ICA Doppler insonation used. Results Results depicted discontinuity among sonographers with 52.6% utilising a constant Doppler angle of 60° and 47.4% using a convenient angle. Eighty percent with >10 years use a convenient angle, 80% with 5 to 10 years use a constant 60°, and sonographers with 1 to 5 years' experience were more evenly split with 43% utilising a constant 60° and 57% using a convenient angle. Discussion Trends between experience and method were established. Further research with larger numbers to ascertain why sonographers choose a particular method is warranted.
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Cassin et al. (2018) conducted a cross-sectional in Sonographers assessing internal carotid artery stenosis (n=19). Constant 60° Doppler angle vs. Convenient angle (60° or less) was evaluated on Most common method of ICA Doppler insonation used. A survey of 19 sonographers revealed that 52.6% utilized a constant Doppler angle of 60° and 47.4% used a convenient angle, with preferences varying by years of experience.
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