Duplex ultrasound (DUS) has shown a >90% accuracy compared to angiography, concerning the degree of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. However, uncertainty may occur in a severe stenosis, in which peak systolic velocity (PSV) may decrease owing to high flow resistance or high backward pressure. We investigated intracranial collateral flows using transcranial Doppler (TCD) to further evaluate the hemodynamic significance of high-grade ICA stenosis.
In this retrospective study, 320 consecutive symptomatic patients were examined. The degree of ICA stenosis and collateral capacity in the circle of Willis was investigated by DUS and TCD. In addition, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was added in a subgroup of 204 patients. The criterion for hemodynamic significant ICA stenosis was established collateral flow.
In 91% of all symptomatic vessels (291 vessels), an ICA stenosis of =70% was found. Established collateral flow always indicated precerebral carotid artery disease of =70%. Furthermore, in 11% of the whole study material, collateral reserve capacity was found despite high-grade (=70%) ICA stenosis. PSV in ICA
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