Evaluation of carotid arteries in stroke patients using color Doppler sonography: A prospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Cerebral ischemic stroke is life-threatening and debilitating neurological disease, it is the third leading cause of death in the world. Studies have shown that there is a close relationship between carotid artery stenosis and ischemic cerebral vascular disease. This study is done to assess the carotid arteries with the help of color Doppler sonography and to correlate cerebrovascular accidents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study was carried out on 50 patients using purposive sampling technique. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and family history were documented. The data gathered from color Doppler examination consisted of peak systolic velocity of common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA), velocity ratios between CCA and ICA and plaque characteristics as seen on real-time image.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The collected data were analyzed and presented in the form of tables, figures, graphs, and diagrams wherever necessary. As this study deals with the only frequency distribution of various factors, so no tests of significance were applied.

RESULTS: The highest incidence of stroke was found in the male population in the age group of 60-69 years. Various risk factors included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and family history. Of 50 patients, 12 patients showed significant stenosis (>60%). Atherosclerotic plaques were seen in 39 patients (78%).

CONCLUSION: Color Doppler examination is an economic, safe, reproducible, and less time-consuming method of demonstrating the cause of cerebrovascular insufficiency in extracranial carotid artery system and will guide in instituting treatment modalities.