Noninvasive Imaging and Frequency Analysis for Carotid Artery Diagnosis and Surgical Decisions

Abstract

An analysis of 212 carotid arteries studied by Doppler imaging, B-mode imaging, and spectral analysis reveals poor correlation though similarity of data base by chi-square and gamma is strong. The differences between arteriogra phy and the noninvasive techniques appear mainly in the categories of normal and > 50% stenosis. Arteriography classifies more patients as normal and non invasives classify more patients as > 50% by a ratio of 2:1. Noninvasive studies can be used to verify the findings using multiple techniques without risk and correlate best with operative findings. Evidence indicates that multimodality noninvasive studies are a reliable way of diagnosing carotid bifurcation disease and may be used in place of arteriography.