[Value of Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of minor and moderate changes of the internal carotid arteries].

Using contrast and Doppler ultrasonic diagnostic methods the authors examined 78 internal carotid arteries in 67 patients with cerebral circulatory disturbances. Ultrasonographic assessment of the blood flow in the internal carotid arteries was done in direct study of these arteries, and indirect study through the periorbital branches of the ipsilateral ophthalmic arteries. The results of USG-D examinations of internal carotid arteries were compared with their angiograms showing in 15 cases uneven outlines of the lumen, in 24 cases arterial loops, in 29 minor narrowing (21-40%), in 10 - moderate narrowing (41-70%). In the group of arteries with uneven lumen outlines USG-D examination showed impaired blood flow in 86.7% of cases, in the group of arterial loops--in 91.7% of cases, in the group of minor narrowing--in 86.2%, in the group of moderate narrowing--in 100% of cases. In all, out of 78 internal carotid arteries with angiographically confirmed abnormalities in 70 cases (89.7%) Doppler study suggested presence of lesions. In 24 cases (30.7%) disturbances of blood flow dynamics in the internal carotid artery caused an atypical result of the carotid compression test carried out during examination of opthalmic arteries. The obtained results indicated a high usefulness of Doppler test in the diagnosis of minor and moderate abnormalities of the internal carotid arteries.