[Use of color Doppler ultrasonography for evaluation of blood flow in orbital vessels].

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to establish the normal values of blood flow velocities in ophthalmic and central retinal vessels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

29 healthy subjects: 18 men and 11 women, mean age 55 +/- 20 years, were examined in Color Doppler technique with spectral analysis with the 7.5 MHz linear transducer. The peak systolic, end diastolic and mean flow velocities were measured. The resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were also estimated.

RESULTS

The values of velocities are comparable with results of other authors, especially when the similar frequency of the transducers was used. No significant differences of flow parameters were found between genders and right and left eyes when comparing the means. Ophthalmic artery velocities significantly declined as a function of age, but the RI and PI indices were similar. There were age-related differences between flow parameters in central retinal vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound system characteristics, methodology of the examination and age factor should be considered in clinical evaluation of orbital vessels with color Doppler imaging.