[Two-dimensional ultrasonics--a non-invasive method for the diagnosis of arteriosclerotic changes in the region of the supra-aortic branches]

Abstract

2-D ultrasound examinations were performed on 98 patients suspected of arteriosclerotic changes in the region of the extracranial arteries of the neck. The findings were compared with those obtained by angiography, including digital subtraction angiography. In 84 patients there was concordance between the results of 2-D ultrasound and angiography. In six patients the B-scan alone gave false results. In eight patients no definite diagnosis could be made. The addition of 2-D ultrasound with bidirectional Doppler reduced false diagnoses to three and uncertain diagnoses to five. The combination of 2-D ultrasound and bidirectional Doppler thus increases the diagnostic possibilities to detect arteriosclerotic changes in the region of the extracranial cervical arteries of the neck.