ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo evaluate the consistency of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDFI) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis or occlusion. MethodsThe agreement and disagreement between CDFI and DSA examination results in 215 cases with unilateral carotid artery stenosis or occlusion were studied. By reviewing the CDFI sonogram and DSA dynamic image, the reason of discrepancy between two imaging modalities was analyzed.ResultsThe agreement rate was 90.7% (195 cases) between first CDFI scan and DSA, while disagreement rate was 9.3%(20 cases). Thus CDFI and DSA showed a good consistency (Kappa=0.7731,P<0.01). After reviewing the CDFI sonogram and DSA dynamic image, the discrepancy was attributed to treatment response in10 cases (4.7%), imaging principle difference in 3 cases (1.4%) , and inconsistent physician diagnoses in 7 cases (3.2%). ConclusionIn diagnosis of extracranial carotid artery stenosis or occlusion, the results of CDFI and DSA were highly consistent . In inconsistent cases, the examination results should be viewed under comprehensive and complementary analysis.