J Walker1, A R Naylor. 1. The Vascular Studies Unit, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine velocity thresholds for diagnosing 'carotid stenosis >70%' and whether Vascular Studies Units in the United Kingdom used ECST or NASCET measurement methods. DESIGN: Questionnaire to 102 members of the Society of Vascular Technology of Great Britain and Ireland. RESULTS: One quarter (26%) of respondents reported that their unit used the NASCET measurement method, 31% used the ECST method, while 43% did not know. When all velocity criteria were pooled and compared, an almost equal proportion of ECST, NASCET and 'do not know' respondents used a peak systolic velocity threshold of >230 cm/s as being diagnostic of a 'stenosis >70%'. Interestingly, this velocity is now the threshold proposed by a North American consensus group for diagnosing a NASCET stenosis of >70%. CONCLUSIONS: This audit suggests that there is considerable confusion about what constitutes an ultrasound based diagnosis of 'stenosis >70% in the United Kingdom.
OBJECTIVES: To determine velocity thresholds for diagnosing 'carotid stenosis >70%' and whether Vascular Studies Units in the United Kingdom used ECST or NASCET measurement methods. DESIGN: Questionnaire to 102 members of the Society of Vascular Technology of Great Britain and Ireland. RESULTS: One quarter (26%) of respondents reported that their unit used the NASCET measurement method, 31% used the ECST method, while 43% did not know. When all velocity criteria were pooled and compared, an almost equal proportion of ECST, NASCET and 'do not know' respondents used a peak systolic velocity threshold of >230 cm/s as being diagnostic of a 'stenosis >70%'. Interestingly, this velocity is now the threshold proposed by a North American consensus group for diagnosing a NASCET stenosis of >70%. CONCLUSIONS: This audit suggests that there is considerable confusion about what constitutes an ultrasound based diagnosis of 'stenosis >70% in the United Kingdom.