COLOUR DOPPLER EVALUATION OF CAROTID ARTERIES IN ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) to assess the severity of carotid artery stenosis in ischemic stroke patients. Total 72 patients, who were clinically diagnosed as having Materials And Methods: suffered from ischaemic cerebrovascular (CV) stroke, were recruited. Each patient was studied in detail with relevant clinical history and Examination; risk factors like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking & hyperlipidemia were documented. Ultrasound Scan and colour Doppler of carotid arteries was done. Results: Hemiparesis was the most common presenting clinical symptom, 34 (47.2%), followed by hemiplegia 11 (15.2%), giddiness 7 (9.7%), hemisensory disturbances (HSD) 6 (8.3%).44 patients were smokers (61%), 32 patients were hypertensive (44.4%), 28 patients were diabetic (38.8%), 18 (25%) patients had hyperlipidemia and 15 patients had a previous history of stroke (20.8%). Doppler ultrasound, 52 out of 72 (72.2%) patients had some evidence of ipsilateral/bilateral carotid stenosis (plaque + increased CIMT) and 35 out of 72 (48.6%) had plaque ipsilateral/bilateral. Conclusion: Color Doppler of carotid artery plays an important role in identication of plaques and quantication of degree of Stenosis in stroke patients and identication of “at risk” patients who may develop further stroke.