Carotid artery disease: A prospective evaluation of pulsed doppler imaging

Ultrasonic imaging of the carotid artery bifurcation using a 30 channel pulsed Doppler system has been studied in a prospective trial. The results were compared to X-ray contrast angiography. Ninety per cent of the lesions of less than 50% were detected, as were all total occlusions of the internal carotid artery. The overall sensitivity was 93% and specificity 100%. Lateral ultrasonic scans were important in detecting lesions of less than 50% stenosis providing the diagnostic information in 48% of these vessels. The ability to identify both low and high grade stenoses with this system provides a basis for routine screening of patients with suspected carotid disease.