Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
Intraluminal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion MCAO Model for Ischemic Stroke with Laser Doppler Flowmetry Guidance in Mice
Published on: May 8, 2011
Doppler Resistivity and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: Hemodynamic Structural Correlation and Usefulness for the
Carlos de la Cruz-Cosme1, Marc Stefan Dawid-Milner2, Guillermo Ojeda-Burgos3
1Neurology Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria (Málaga), Málaga, Spain.
Insights
High pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) from Doppler ultrasound can help identify lacunar origin (LO) in acute stroke patients. These neurosonography parameters correlate with small vessel disease burden, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Lacunar stroke (LO) involves small infarcts (<1.5 cm) in perforating artery territories, often challenging to visualize directly.
- Chronic cerebral small vessel disease is frequently associated with lacunar stroke.
- Neurosonography parameters like pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) may indicate small vessel disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between PI, RI, and cerebral small vessel lesion burden.
- To determine the utility of PI and RI in supporting a lacunar origin (LO) in acute stroke.
Main Methods:
- Prospective recording of internal carotid artery resistivity and Fazekas scores in acute ischemic stroke patients over 6 months.
- Analysis of 74 patients meeting inclusion criteria.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between the Fazekas score and resistivity.
- Both PI and RI demonstrated predictive value for LO.
- Optimal cut-offs for screening (PI=0.96/RI=0.58) and confirmation (PI=1.46/RI=0.83) were identified with high sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions:
- Doppler ultrasound, specifically PI and RI measurements, is a valuable tool for supporting the diagnosis of lacunar origin in acute stroke.
- Neurosonography can aid in assessing small vessel disease burden and identifying lacunar strokes.
Introduction And Goal:
Lacunar stroke is defined as an <1.5 cm diameter infarct located in the territory of a perforating artery, that is not accessible for direct study using conventional imaging techniques. Diagnosis requires exclusion of other causes. It usually occurs in the context of chronic cerebral small vessel disease, which can be suspected during the neurosonography study in the form of high pulsatility [PI] or resistance index [RI]. Clinical research was performed to confirm that PI and RI correlate with cerebral small vessel lesion burden and to determine whether these parameters are useful for supporting a lacunar origin (LO) in acute stroke.
Material And Methods:
We prospectively recorded internal carotid artery resistivity and the Fazekas score for all patients with acute ischemic stroke who met inclusion but not exclusion criteria over a 6-month period.
Results:
The study population comprised 74 patients. A correlation was observed between the Fazekas score and resistivity. Both parameters predicted a LO, with an area under the curve of .78 and .696, respectively. The optimal cut-offs were PI = .96/RI = .58 for screening (sensitivity, 96%) and PI = 1.46/RI = .83 for confirmation (specificity, 89%).
Conclusions:
Doppler ultrasound is a useful technique for determining the LO of acute stroke.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Structure of Blood Vessels
01:20Structural Classification of Joints
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
01:17Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
02:20Correlations
00:56Doppler Effect - I