Quantitative analysis of continuous-wave Doppler spectral broadening for the diagnosis of carotid disease: Results of a multicenter study

Abstract

This article reports the results of a multicenter study that compares 333 frequency analysis studies with the continuous-wave Doppler method with angiography. With receiver operating characteristic curves, the study documents the accuracy of the Doppler technique for the diagnosis of extracranial carotid arterial stenosis greater than 45% diameter reduction. It confirms the accuracy of the measurement of the maximal peak Doppler frequency and, in addition, shows that quantitative analysis of the instantaneous Doppler spectrum at peak systole by the measurement of the spectral broadening index is of diagnostic value. Likelihood ratios have been calculated with the use of curve-fitting techniques and it has been demonstrated how both the peak frequency and the spectral broadening index can be used together to improve the certainty of diagnosis. It is concluded that the probability that an individual patient has significant carotid arterial disease can be determined with the measurements of peak frequency and spectral broadening index from the continuous-wave Doppler spectral waveform.

Pulsatile flow through constricted tubes: an experimental investigation using photochromic tracer methods

“…It is well known that for an arterial cross-sectional area reduction of around 80 %, the mean volumetric flow is significantly reduced and that turbulence is generally triggered. The flow disturbances associated with severe stenoses can be detected non-invasively through the use of Doppler ultrasound spectral analysis (Barnes et al 1976;Johnston et al 1986). The detection and quantitative assessment of less severe stenoses, particularly minor stenoses ( < 50 % area reduction), is also of great importance since it can probably allow appropriate drug or dietary treatment a t an early stage of disease progression.…”

Duplex ultrasound analysis of operated carotid arteries in baboons.

“…26 Vascular lesions that might occur during arterial reconstructive surgery have been produced in dogs and examined by portable arteriography, serial byplane arteriography and B-mode ultrasonography; operative ultrasonography was more precise for detecting intravascular defects than arteriography. 21 Traditionally, analysis of operations on smaU blood vessels has relied on direct observation or arteriography to determine outcome. 21 Duplex evaluation has several advantages over surgical exploration or arteriography for monitoring arterial events.…”

“…21 Traditionally, analysis of operations on smaU blood vessels has relied on direct observation or arteriography to determine outcome. 21 Duplex evaluation has several advantages over surgical exploration or arteriography for monitoring arterial events. First, in contrast to conventional techniques assessing anatomy, duplex analysis contributes physiologic quantitation of arterial flow.…”