Frequency of Carotid Artery Stenosis in Ischemic Stroke by using Carotid Doppler Ultrasonography in a Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Atherosclerotic disease of carotid arteries outside the cranial cavity has long been recognized as the most common source of emboli to the brain causing stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of carotid artery stenosis in ischemic stroke patients by using carotid doppler ultrasonography.

Material & Methods: This was a descriptive study, conducted at Radiology Department, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from December 2007 to December 2008. One hundred consecutive patients from 27 to 93 years age of both sexes referred to Radiology Department for CT brain and having cerebral infarction were included in the study. Each patient underwent bilateral carotid doppler ultrasonography using SSD-140 ultrasound machine having 7.5 MHz linear probe. Their history charts were reviewed for risk factors for atherosclerotisis. The severity and morphology of carotid disease were characterized using standard criteria.

Results: Of 100 patients with ischemic infarction on CT brain, 56(56%) had carotid stenosis on color doppler ultrasonography of carotid arteries. 64.3% had mild stenosis, 26.8% moderate and 8.9% severe stenosis. As far as the plaque characteristics, the plaque was soft in majority of cases (58.9%). The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was 59% and 44% respectively.

Conclusion: The frequency of carotid stenosis as detected by Doppler ultrasonography in ischemic stroke is 56% in our set up.