HEMODYNAMIC DISORDERS IN INTERNAL THORACIC ARTERY - HOW OFTEN ARE THEY ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLAVIAN STEAL VIA IPSILATERAL VERTEBRAL ARTERY

The scores based on Doppler sonographic spectral features in 14 verteb ral arteries with flow reversal and 10 vertebral arteries with normal antegrade flow were correlated with those of ipsilateral internal thor acic (or internal mammary) and subclavian arteries. The statistical an alysis revealed significant correlation between the scores of all ipsi lateral arteries. We concluded that color duplex ultrasonographic exam ination of internal thoracic arteries should be carried out in all pat ients with flow reversal in vertebral arteries. It is especially impor tant in those who are potential candidates or coronary revascularizati on using in situ internal thoracic artery graft.