Methods such as calculating sensitivity and specificity, selecting ROC cut-off points, and using Bayes's theorem provide adequate answers for evaluating non-invasive tests for carotid artery stenosis.
A short introduction is given on some fundamental problems of non-invasive testing for carotid artery stenosis. In the last ten years there has been a tendency to combine several procedures in a battery of tests. Two main questions are discussed. The first is how to decide whether a test is to be considered positive or negative. When two tests are used, the second question is how to assess the significance of both tests being positive or negative, or one positive and the other negative. Calculation of the sensitivity and specificity of tests, selecting a cut-off point on an ROC curve and using Bayes's theorem are all methods which give adequate answers to these questions. This is illustrated with our results using ophthalmodynamography and ophthalmodynamometry and the possible combination of these tests with Doppler ultrasonography.
F. Strik (1981) conducted a review in Carotid artery stenosis. Non-invasive testing (ophthalmodynamography, ophthalmodynamometry, Doppler ultrasonography) was evaluated. Methods such as calculating sensitivity and specificity, selecting ROC cut-off points, and using Bayes's theorem provide adequate answers for evaluating non-invasive tests for carotid artery stenosis.