HITS in internal carotid dissections

Abstract

Carotid dissections can cause neurological deficits either by hemodynamic or embolic mechanisms. Anticoagulants are often used in this setting to prevent neurological deterioration and stroke recurrence. High-intensity transient signals (HITS) detected by transcranial Doppler may be due to microembolism. We investigated the presence and number of HITS in a series of 27 patients with carotid dissection. HITS were detected in 14 (52%) patients and only in cases with a less than 7-day evolution. No association was found between HITS and clinical or imagiological features of the dissection nor with neurological aggravation or treatment type. We failed to demonstrate any relevant clinical significance of HITS in carotid dissection.