Changes in middle cerebral artery flow velocity and pulsatility index after carotid endarterectomy

Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) was used in 33 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Mean flow velocity (MCA MV) and the pulsatility index in the middle cerebral artery (MCA PI) were measured pre- and on six occasions postoperatively. The MCA MV was reduced by anaesthesia but was increased postoperatively (+43%, p less than 0.001) compared to the preoperative value and was still increased at late follow-up after several months. The MCA PI, which was lower preoperatively than normally reported in this age group, was not changed by anaesthesia but then rose and remained elevated, i.e. within normal limits 72 h postoperatively (+30%, p less than 0.01) as well as at late follow-up. No significant changes in MCA MV or MCA PI were noted on the contralateral side. The results from this study support earlier findings from invasive studies showing that CEA results in an increased flow in the middle cerebral artery on the operated side and an increased MCA PI suggests an increased resistance on the operated side. The findings are compatible with an increased cerebral blood flow during the first days after CEA and with the operated side supplying a greater part of the cerebral blood flow even several months after surgery.