Feasibility and validity of transcranial duplex sonography in patients with acute stroke

• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.73.1.17
• Publication Date: 2002-07-28T23:09:06Z
• Authors: T Gerriets
• Keywords: Digital subtraction angiography; Stroke; Magnetic resonance angiography; Duplex ultrasonography

<b>Objectives:</b> To evaluate in a prospective multicentre setting the feasibility of transcranial colour coded duplex sonography (TCCS) for examination middle cerebral artery (MCA) patients with acute hemispheric stroke, and to assess validity sonographic findings subgroup who also had correlative angiographic examination. <b>Methods:</b> TCCS was performed 58 consecutive within six hours onset moderate severe stroke. Ultrasound contrast agent (Levovist) applied if necessary. Thirty two computed tomography angiography (n=13), magnetic resonance (n=18), or digital subtraction (n=1). In 14 these patients, both corresponding were stroke (mean time difference between 0.8 hours). Eighteen whom carried out more than 24 after onset, follow up method comparison 6.1 <b>Results:</b> Initial unenhanced 3.4 (SD 1.2) symptoms depicted symptomatic MCA mainstem 32 (55%) (13 occlusions, one stenosis, 18 patent arteries). After signal enhancement, status could be determined 54 (93%) (p&lt;0.05), showing an occlusion 25, stenosis two, 27 patients. 31 angiography, produced same diagnosis (10 three stenoses, arteries); inconclusive remaining one. <b>Conclusion:</b> is feasible, fast, valid non-invasive bedside evaluating setting, particularly when enhancement applied. It may valuable cost effective alternative future trials.