Related Experiment Videos
Age and sex variability and normal reference values for the V(MCA)/V(ICA) index
Jaroslaw Krejza1, Piotr Szydlik, David S Liebeskind
1Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|April 9, 2005
Summary
The V(MCA)/V(ICA) index, used for detecting cerebral vasospasm, varies significantly with age and sex. Establishing age- and sex-adjusted reference values is crucial for accurate sonographic diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurosonology
- Cerebrovascular Physiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- The V(MCA)/V(ICA) index is a common marker for cerebral vasospasm.
- Established reference values for this index are currently lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference data for blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA).
- To provide reference values for the V(MCA)/V(ICA) index in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- Transcranial color-coded duplex and carotid duplex sonography were performed on 335 healthy volunteers.
- Participants were stratified into three age groups: <40, 40-60, and >60 years.
- The V(MCA)/V(ICA) index was calculated using angle-corrected velocities from MCA and ICA.
Main Results:
- Mean flow velocities in MCA and ICA decreased with age, particularly after 40 years.
- The V(MCA)/V(ICA) index increased with age in women but not in men.
- In individuals under 40, the V(MCA)/V(ICA) index was higher in men than in women.
Conclusions:
- The V(MCA)/V(ICA) index demonstrates significant variation based on age and sex.
- Accurate sonographic diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm requires age- and sex-adjusted reference values for the V(MCA)/V(ICA) index.