[Ultrasonic methods used in the diagnosis of changes in the carotid artery system]

The duplex method has been recommended as the most effective means, because it is able to detect both morphological and hemodynamical changes, respectively. The duplex is also useful in screening and follow up of stroke patients and the number of conventional angiography can be reduced. Any other ultrasonic diagnostic methods (B-mode, directional Doppler etc.) have a more little diagnostic accuracy but they can be used as complementary methods rising the diagnostic effectiveness. The author summarizes also his own experiences with different ultrasonic equipment compared with angiography. The B-mode has a diagnostic accuracy of 78%. This method is most useful in detecting of stenoses of small and medium size. The diagnostic accuracy of directional Doppler ultrasonography of periorbital vessels has an accuracy of 95% in detecting stenoses greater than 50%, but this method provides no information about the morphology and localization of plaques. The measurement of common carotid artery flow by UQFM--1000 (ultrasonic quantitative flow measurement) was diagnostically effective only in patients with completed occlusion.