Doppler frequency spectrum analysis and digital subtraction angiography in carotid artery disease

The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of frequency spectrum analysis complementary to direct Doppler sonography in comparison to conventional biplane arteriography and transvenous digital subtraction angiography in internal carotid artery stenosis. In a group consisting of 229 carotid arteries visualized by conventional biplane arteriography, Doppler frequency spectrum analysis had a specificity of 97% and concerning all stenoses and occlusions, a sensitivity of 89%. In a second group consisting of 198 carotid arteries imaged by transvenous digital subtraction angiography, Doppler sonographic examination had a specificity of 65% only, and concerning all categories of stenoses and occlusions a sensitivity of 85%. These differences concerning specificity are not interpreted as false positive diagnoses in Doppler spectrum analysis but are considered to be due to false negative findings of digital subtraction angiography in stenoses of less than 50% vessel diameter reduction.