An evaluation of carotid Doppler indices in patients with restless legs syndrome.

Biomarkers that can be used to predict increased stroke risk in restless legs syndrome (RLS) are needed. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of changes in carotid sonographic parameters that are associated with stroke and may predict stroke in patients with RLS. The study involved 53 patients diagnosed with primary RLS and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Severity of disease was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale. Carotid color Doppler ultrasound indices peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), and intima-media thickness, were performed from the carotid system arteries. In terms of carotid Doppler indices between patients with RLS and healthy controls; right internal carotid artery EDV (P = .021) and left common carotid artery (CCA) EDV (P = .010) were significantly lower than the control group, while right internal carotid artery RI (P = .025), left CCA RI (P = .018), and left CCA intima-media thickness (P = .008) were significantly higher than the control group. No significant effect of disease duration and severity on Doppler indices was observed. Significant changes were detected in carotid Doppler indices in patients with RLS, regardless of disease duration and severity, which may be predictive of cerebral ischemia.