[Ultrasound dopplerography in the diagnosis of the subclavian steal syndrome].

To diagnose occlusions in the brachiocephalic trunk and in the proximal portions of the subclavian artery in combination with the subclavian steal syndrome, a simple noninvasive method--Doppler sonography--has been used by the author since 1975. This technique consists in sequential registration of the blood flow rate along the vertebral and axillary arteries in combination with functional-compression tests including making a fist, rated physical exercise with a hand as well as compression of the brachial and vertebral arteries. Using Doppler ultrasonography, the subclavian steal syndrome was detected in 25 patients and in 24 cases the diagnosis was confirmed by angiography, this showing a 96% validity of this diagnostic procedure. Peculiar features of this technique as well as its potential wide application for diagnostic purposes in out- and in-patients with cerebrovascular diseases are discussed.