[Doppler ultrasonography of the common carotid artery in persons of different age]

Abstract

The author carried out ultrasonography of the common carotid arteries by the method based on Doppler's phenomenon in 100 subjects aged 16--86 years. The maximal, minimal and mean flow velocity, vascular resistance, and symmetry and shape of the recorded curve were evaluated. Early and progressing with age changes were found in the curve indicating decreasing vascular wall elasticity. The maximal flow velocity decreased also rapidly. On the other hand, the mean and the minimal flow velocity and the index of vascular resistance remained without substantial changes up to the age of 70 years. In later age the minimal and mean flow velocity decreased rapidly and the index of vascular resistance increased greatly. This suggested accelerated rate of atherosclerosis development and/or exhaustion of compensatory mechanisms. In 3 cases of considerable asymmetry of the curve was observed caused by asymptomatic stenosis of one artery. Doppler ultrasonography could be useful at the time of intensification and evolution of atherosclerotic changes in the carotid arteries, and their effect on the condition of cerebral circulation.