To determine the frequency 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 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 transducer frequency of 6-12.5MHz. Results A total of 366 patients underwent bilateral carotid Doppler ultrasound examinations. Our findings showed carotid plagues in 156 (42.62%) patients and majority were males 105(67.53). Mean age recorded was 61.17 ± 9.54 years and mean body mass index was 25.43 ± 3.40 Kg/m2. Highest number of plaques were noted in the left carotid artery 64 (41.03%), main location was common carotid artery 88 (56.41%) and majority were homogenous plagues 88 (56.41%).Majority patients presented with headache 177 (48.36%). Associated comorbidities were diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Conclusion The accuracy of diagnosing Carotid artery plagues has greatly increased over time due to radiological innovation. Carotid doppler ultrasound is a cheap noninvasive modality to detect carotid artery plagues due to its sensitivity, precision, and reliability. Since there is a high frequency of carotid plagues noted in middle age male adults, appropriate screening with prophylactic management can save a lot of disease burden from a lower middle income class country.