Routine assessment of carotid plaques on Doppler USG and associated presenting symptoms at a Tertiary Care Centre, Lahore

Objective: To determine the frequency of carotid plaques on Doppler USG and associated presenting symptoms at Tertiary Care Centre, Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 366 individuals was conducted from January 2020 to November 2020 at the Radiology Department of Shiekh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A consultant radiologist scanned both sides of the extra-cranial carotid artery tree. The DUS of carotid arteries was done with a GE Voluson Expert 730 Doppler ultrasound machine, using a linear probe with a transducer frequency of 6-12.5MHz. Results: A total of 366 patients underwent bilateral carotid Doppler ultrasound examinations. Our findings showed carotid plaques in 156 (42.62%) patients; the majority were males 105(67.53). The mean age recorded was 61.17 ±9.54 years and the mean body mass index was 25.43±3.40 Kg/m2. The highest number of plaques were noted in the left carotid artery 64 (41.03%), the main location was the common carotid artery 88 (56.41%) and, the majority were homogenous plagues 88 (56.41%).The majority of patients presented with headaches 177 (48.36%). Associated comorbidities were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Conclusion: The accuracy of diagnosing Carotid artery plaques has greatly increased over time payable to radiological innovation.