Searching the perfect ultrasonic classification in assessing carotid artery stenosis: comparison and remarks upon the existing ultrasound criteria

Abstract

Doppler ultrasound scanning is the first line investigation for quantifying the internal carotid artery stenosis. Nevertheless, the lack of internationally accepted ultrasound criteria for describing the degree of stenosis has contributed to the different and confusing measurements ranges. The use of two different angiographic methods, the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endoarterectomy Study and the European Carotid Surgery Trial was probably the major initial source of confusion in deriving valid and reliable duplex ultrasound criteria worldwide. The consensus proposed in 2003 by the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound has been a great attempt to create a conformity document, establishing grey scale and Doppler criteria in considering the different degrees of stenosis. According to this attempt, in 2010, the multi-parametric Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ultraschall in der Medizin ultrasound criteria have been proposed with a precise differentiation between main and additional criteria and depicted a different peak systolic velocity (PSV) threshold. In 2012, these criteria have been implemented, focusing on the multi-parametric approach, re-defining the PSV values and clearly introducing the concept of PSV average. Despite these attempts, a wide range of practice patterns still exists, with consistent disparities in patients' care. This paper collects these previous experiences and summarizes their strengths and weaknesses, to give a contribution in the carotid artery stenosis grading standardization using ultrasonic methods. Carotid ultrasound as the only diagnostic tool for the selection of patients for carotid surgery or stenting will be possible only with internationally accepted criteria.

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