Doppler imaging of the carotid arteries

One hundred patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease were studied, using Doppler imaging techniques (Dop-Scan), as described by Spencer in 1974. Using a continuous wave Doppler probe, derived images of the carotid vessels and their tributaries were constructed. Twenty-nine of these patients had angiographic studies. A close correlation between Doppler imaging and angiography was found. Although the imaging of the bifurcations does provide useful clinical information compatible to information obtained at angiography, it is necessary to supplement this by analyzing the Doppler signals generated at defined segments of the circulation. Some of the pitfalls of Doppler diagnosis of extracranial vascular disease have been avoided by the dual techniques of imaging and analyzing the Doppler signals directly over the neck vessels. Doppler imaging techniques allow safe, inexpensive, noninvasive studies which are reproducible and reliable. The techniques are easily adaptable to office and hospital practice and have the distinct advantage of saving some patients from angiographic investigation.