Spectral Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of positional vertebrobasilar insufficiency
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of cervical Doppler ultrasound for the study of vertebrobasilar insufficiency with maneuvers that evokes the clinical manifestations.
METHODS: A descriptive and cross sectional study was carried out in 100 random selected patients between all of cases studied in Hemodinamic Deparment of Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras (May 2008 to February 2008), with indication of spectral Doppler ultrasound of vertebrobasilar system. The vertebrobasilar system was explored through the transforaminal approach with changes of position of the head for evaluation of related flow velocities. The mean flow velocities of each artery in each position were compared.
RESULTS: The main indications of vertebrobasilar system spectral Doppler ultrasound were: dizziness (55 %), sickness (29 %), vertebrobasilar insufficiency (15 %) and cervical arthrosis (16 %). The median age of the patients was 55 years. The mean flow velocities registered in the vertebral arteries and the basilar artery was 30.6 cm/s. It was not significant differences between the blood flow velocities of the vertebral arteries and the basilar artery with the changes of position of the head.
CONCLUSIONS: The cervical Doppler ultrasound not showed changes in the blood flow velocities that justified the diagnosis of alterations and indication of this exam.
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References
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