Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of the vascular ultrasound testing technique on detecting large arterial lesions in neck. MethodsVascular ultrasound testing and digital substraction angiography(DSA) were performed on 75 arteries in 53 consecutive patients with chronic cerebral ischemia, transient ischemic attack(TIA) or cerebral infarction.The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of vascular ultrasound testing on moderate stenosis(50%—69%), severe stenosis(70%—99%),or occlusion of arterial lesions in neck were analysed by means of cross tabulation, using DSA as the standard of reference. ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of vascular ultrasound testing on arterial lesions of moderate stenosis, severe stenosis and occlusion were 85.7%,78.9%,84.0%;90.2%,88.2%,89.3%;93.3%,95.0%,94.6%,respectively.The complete corresponding rate between the two type of tests was 73.3%. ConclusionThe vascular ultrasound testing technique shows high accuracy on detecting large arterial lesions, especially on severe stenosis or occlusion in neck. It can be applied extensively in prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.

Key words: ultrasound, ischemic stroke, arteries in neck, digital subtraction angiography(DSA)