EVALUATION OF CAROTID-ARTERY STENOSIS - IS DUPLEX ULTRASONOGRAPHY SUFFICIENT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of duple x ultrasonography and magnetic resonance angiography in the evaluation of carotid artery stenosis to determine whether ultrasonography alone is sufficient for preoperative evaluation. Methods: This study consis ted of a retrospective review of 33 patients who underwent 35 carotid endarterectomies. A total of 66 vessels were studied by both duplex ul trasonography and magnetic resonance angiography, and an overall corre lation between the two studies was determined. Results:A high correlat ion was found between duplex and magnetic resonance angiography with a n r coefficient equal to 0.87 (Pearson's correlation coefficient) and kappa = 0.75. Discrepancies between the two studies or the presence of intracranial disease did not alter surgical decision making. Conclusi on: Duplex ultrasonography alone can accurately determine the degree o f internal carotid artery stenosis and when paired with careful clinic al evaluation is a reliable and cost-effective method for evaluating s urgical carotid disease.