Carotid duplex ultrasonography: importance of standardisation. Asymptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial Collaborators and Vascular Laboratories.

摘要: Background Carotid duplex ultrasonography (CDUS) is an established non-invasive tool for assessing patients with suspected carotid bifurcation disease. Current trends show increased dependence on CDUS in recommending stroke prevention surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate routine practice vascular laboratories across 26 countries participating Asymptomatic Surgery Trial (ACST), and determine areas which are need future standardisation if be primary CEA. Methods Retrospective. Information gathered from questionnaires, 22 on-site visits between August 1996 September 1997. Setting Clinical laboratory practice. Participants Eligible participants were ACST collaborators. Measures Laboratories compared 7 categories: ultrasound equipment, operators, experience, protocols, stenosis evaluation, interpretation criteria, reporting. Results 117 respondents showed that (i) experience: at least one operator each had more than 3 years experience; (ii) equipment: 88% (103/117) colour capability; (iii) operators: 54% exams performed by technologists, 33% surgeons, 28% radiologists, 35% other. most significant findings (iv) evaluation: only 29% (33/117) using a standardised Doppler angle (this single factor may greatly alter exam results); (v) criteria; >41 different criteria reported. These specific variations can affect those considered appropriate Conclusions This highlights CEA, when indicated clinical trial results.