Introduction:

Stenosis of the common or internal carotid artery of 50-99% identified by Doppler Ultrasound is sufficient for therapeutic decision making. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of Doppler Ultrasound for diagnosis of carotid stenosis compared to angiography of supra-aortic vessel (ASAV).

Methods:

Observational and diagnostic test study. 100 patients >50 years with symptomatic carotid disease were included during January-2018 to May-2019, with Doppler Ultrasound and ASAV. We document demographic, clinical variables and degree of carotid stenosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), efficacy and area under the curve of Doppler Ultrasound for carotid disease vs. gold standard were determined. P value <0.05 and confidence interval of 95% were considered statistically significant.

Results:

70 men and 30 women, mean age 70 years. Doppler USG detection of carotid stenosis > 50% compared to ASAV had a sensitivity of 91.4%, specificity 66.1%, PPV 48% NPV 95% and 72% efficacy. The calculation of the area under the curve was 0.527.

Conclusions:

In our hospital, the Doppler USG has high sensitivity for diagnosis of carotid stenosis, however the value of the area under the curve is weak when compared to ASAV as an independent diagnostic test.

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