Comparative study on transcranial doppler and digital subtraction angiography in detection of cerebral arterial spasm / 临床神经病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the reliability of transcranial doppler (TCD) in detection spasm of middle cerebral artery (MCA),vertebral artery (VA ) and basilar artery (BA).Methods TCD and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination were undertaken in 50 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.Results Arterial spasm was diagnosed in 26 MCA by DSA,21 of which were detected by TCD at same time.4 MCA were showed by TCD but not confirmed by DSA. The sensitivity and specificity of TCD in diagnosing MCA spasm were 80.8% and 84.0% respectively. Higher sensitivity was revealed in those with severe MCA spasm. DSA also found out asterial spasm of BA in 18 BA,among which 13 arteries were detected by TCD simutaneously.4 BA were diagnosed by TCD but not proved by DSA. The sensitivity and the specificity of TCD in diagnosing BA spasm were 72.2% and 76.5% respectively.28 VA were diagnosed by DSA,among which 20 arteries were proved by TCD.6 VA were detected by TCD but not proved by DSA. The sensitivity and specificity of TCD in diagnosing VA spasm were 71.4% and 76.9% respectively.Conclusion TCD is reliable in diagnosing the spasm of MCA,BA and VA.