DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i03.040

Pages: 903-911

Atherosclerotic disease of carotid arteries outside the cranial cavity has been recognised as an important cause of ischemic stroke. Colour Doppler study of the carotid arteries is being used as a primary method to assess the carotid arteries. The objective of the present study was to study the frequency of changes in the carotid arteries by carotid doppler sonography and correlate them with findings of CT scan in cases presenting with ischemic stroke.The present study was done on 50 patients presenting with ischemic stroke. Presence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking and alcoholism was recorded. CT scan was done to record the presence, site and size of infarction. Colour Doppler analysis was done to calculate the intima- media thickness, presence and degree of carotid stenosis, presence, site and morphology of plaques and ratio of peak systolic velocity between internal and external carotid artery was recorded.The highest incidence of stroke was found in male population in the age group of 61-70 years. Among the risk factors maximum cases were of hypertension(48%) followed by alcoholism(32%) smoking(30%) and diabetes(26%) .Out of the 50 patients 12(24%) patients had significant stenosis of >50% and atherosclerotic plaques were seen in 38(76%) patients.Colour Doppler examination is an economic, safe , noninvasive method of demonstrating the presence and degree of atherosclerotic changes in the extra cranial carotid arteries causing ischemic brain infarction. This will guide use of proper treatment and surgical intervention in cases of severe stenosis.