[Role of digitalized angiography by venous route in the study of carotid bifurcation. Value in the diagnosis of ulcerated lesions].

Intravenous DSA was performed in 149 patients with suspected arteriosclerotic disease of the carotid bifurcation. These patients were submitted to 163 endarterectomies. The radiological and surgical findings were correlated in a retrospective analysis. The sensitivity of the angiographic method in determination of the correct percentage stenosis was 79%, but only 36% for the diagnosis of ulcerated lesions. Sonography exhibited a sensitivity of 79% with respect to the degree of stenosis and 23% in the diagnosis of ulcerated plaques. The present paper demonstrates the limiting factors of DSA and sonography. Furthermore, it reveals the valuable complementary effect of both methods in detecting arteriosclerotic lesions of the carotid bifurcation.