Carotid Duplex Ultrasonography: Additional Imaging is Rarely Necessary for Appropriate Treatment Planning for Carotid Artery Disease

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the utility of multiple imaging studies (CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and/or conventional angiography), in addition to duplex ultrasonography (DU), in evaluating patients with carotid stenosis. A retrospective case series was conducted of patients with carotid stenosis who underwent DU alone or DU plus additional imaging. Concordance between DU and additional imaging and the effect on treatment plan was evaluated. Two hundred patients with carotid stenosis were evaluated. Sixty-four had DU plus additional imaging. Sixty-two of the patients (96.9%) had no change in treatment due to additional imaging. Only 2 of the 64 patients (3.1%) with additional imaging had a change in treatment plan. In conclusion, additional imaging, beyond DU, is rarely necessary for treatment planning in patients with carotid disease.