Objective:

Doppler ultrasonography (US) is a noninvasive radiological examination. In this study, carotid and vertebral artery (VA) Doppler US and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography findings in vertigo cases were reviewed.

Methods:

Doppler US and MR angiography results of vertigo patients admitted between October 2011 and June 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The age and sex of the patients, atherosclerotic changes in vessels, diameter of VA, and flow volume of VA were recorded. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, LR+ values of MR angiography and Doppler US results were calculated.

Results:

A total of 403 cases included 135 (33.5%) women (age: 54.79±14.1 years), and 268 (66.5%) males (age: 57.81±15.54 years). Atherosclerotic change rates of right-left carotid arteries and the mean diameter of the right VA of women were significantly lower as compared to men (p=0.03), (p=0.0001), (p=0.009). Stenosis of the right common carotid arteries were as follows: in 1 (0.2%) case, less than 50%; in 1 (0.2%) case between 50-60%; and in 3 (0.7%) cases between 60-70%. Stenosis of left common carotid arteries were detected in 3 (0.7%) cases as less than 50%, in 1 (0.2%) case as 50-60%, in 4 (1%) cases as 60-70%, and in 2 (5%) cases more than 70%, and total occlusion was detected in 2 (5%) cases. Total occlusion (100%) was present in 1 (0.2%) case. Atherosclerotic change rates were significantly (p=0.0001) higher in patients over 45 years old. There was an approximately 2 fold likelihood ratio (LR (+) = 2.03) between Doppler US findings and MR angiography findings in vertigo cases.

Conclusion:

Doppler US is often referred to neurology practice, as being a practical, rapid, inexpensive, reliable, and noninvasive imaging technique according to MR angiography. It can be chosen to give information about the morphological and hemodynamic structure of the vertebrobasillar system in the early period of vertigo, especially in elderly patients.

Keywords: Vertigo, Doppler ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography