The influence of ultrasonic duplex scanning on the management of carotid artery disease

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Abstract
In order to assess the influence of a non‐invasive test such as Duplex scanning on the management of patients with suspected carotid artery disease, we reviewed the data on all new referrals (n = 491) during a year. The patients were grouped according to the reason for the referral: 1, patients with focal neurological symptoms lasting less than 24 h (n = 156); 2, patients with focal neurological symptoms lasting longer than 24 h (n = 107); 3, patients with non‐focal neurological symptoms (n = 147); 4, patients with asymptomatic bruits (n = 81). For all four groups there was a statistically significant relationship (χ2; P < 0·005) between the reporting of the presence of a high grade stenosis (more than 50 per cent diameter reduction) and the likelihood that the patient would undergo arteriography. The finding of a high grade stenosis on the arteriogram resulted in a greater number of patients undergoing carotid artery surgery. The results of this study indicate that the report of the non‐invasive test influenced the decision‐making process in the management of patients with suspected carotid artery disease.