Ultrasonic imaging of the carotid arterial system.

The ability of a B-mode, real-time, high frequency ultrasonic imager to diagnose carotid arterial disease was evaluated in 81 carotid arteries. The imager was relatively sensitive in detecting the presence of significant stenosis but was relatively insensitive in its ability to quantitate the degree of stenosis. The imager was unable to detect the presence of ulcerations. The oculoplethysmograph had a greater sensitivity, specificity and accuracy than the ultrasonic imager in diagnosing carotid arterial stenosis in the same group of patients. Ultrasonic imaging appears to be useful as a screening test of cerebrovascular disease when used in combination with the oculoplethysmographic test.