The Value of Color Doppler Ultrasonography in Diagnosis of Subclavian Steal Syndrome

Objective To evaluate the value of two-dimensional ultrasound, color Doppler imaging and spectral Doppler in diagnosis of subclavian steal syndrome (SSS). Methods The extracranial vertebral, subclavian, innominate arteries and intracranial vertebral arteries (VA) and basilar artery (BA) in 24 patients with SSS were examined with color Doppler flow imaging. Results The result showed that main causes of SSS were atherosclerosis and aortoarteritis. The plaque formation and arterial wall thickening in the origin of subclavian or innominate arteries resulted in stenosis or occlusion of subclavian arteries. Retrograde flow in the VA was specific indication of SSS. Retrograde flow in VA demonstrated during both systole and diastole in cases with complete steal. Retrograde flow during systole and antegrade flow or no flow during diastole demonstrated in cases with partial steal. The peak flow velocity of intracranial VA and BA increased. Conclusion Being convenient, non-invasive, accurate and cheaper, color Doppler ultrasonography is considered as an initial technique in diagnosis of SSS.