ABSTRACT

In subclavian steal syndrome, there is reversal of flow in the ipsilateral vertebral artery with stenosis or occlusion of the subclavian artery or brachiocephalic trunk. This clinical syndrome manifests with the signs and symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischemia but can be asymptomatic. Although angiography has been traditionally used to confirm the diagnosis of subclavian steal syndrome and plan reconstructive surgery in symptomatic patients, Doppler ultrasonography now allowsthe rapid diagnosis and also permits the examination of other extracranial vessels. We describe the Doppler ultrasound and conventional angiography findings of the right subclavian artery flow by retrograde flow from the ipsilateral vertebral artery due to right subclavian artery occlusion.