Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in assessing carotid artery stenosis.

PURPOSE:This study prospectively compares Doppler ultrasound (Doppler US) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and endarterectomy findings to determine the accuracy in assessing carotid artery stenosis.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Thirty-two patients underwent carotid endarterectomy, 21 studied with Doppler US, CE-MRA and DSA and 11 with Doppler US and CE-MRA. In 41 carotid arteries, the degree of stenosis was analysed with Doppler US and CE-MRA and compared with DSA by using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Nine out of 32 endarterectomies were done using the eversion technique, and it was possible to compare Doppler US, CE-MRA and DSA with the specimen measurement. Twenty-three out of 32 endarterectomies were done using the standard technique, and the presence of ulcers was documented.RESULTS:There was a significant Doppler US/DSA (Rs=0.86; p<0.001) and CE-MRA/DSA (Rs=0.81; p