Comparative study of imaging modalities in evaluation of extracranial carotid stenosis

Purpose To evaluate the value of colour Doppler ultrasoundcontrast-enhanced MRA and DSA in assessment of extracranial carotid stenosis. Methods Twenty-three patients with clinical suspected carotid stenosis were examined by USCEMRA and DSA. The percentage of stenosis was calculated by using common carotid method (CC). Results We compared the findings of US and CEMRA with the method of DSA, US demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.75% and specificity of 64.29%; CEMRA demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.88% and specificity of 71.43%. Conclusion US is a sensitive and noninvasive method, which is suitable for initial detection. The sensitivity and specificity of CEMRA are higher than that of US by showing the whole carotid artery. DSA is still the gold standard in the diagnosis of carotid stenosis. A combination of colour Doppler ultrasoundCEMRA and DSA provides details of stenostic carotid which is helpful to clinical management.