Ultrasonic imaging and oculoplethysmography in diagnosis of carotid occlusive disease.

Pulsed Doppler ultrasonic imaging (UI) of the cervical carotid artery provides flow-dependent anatomic detail of the carotid bifurcation, while oculoplethysmography (Kartchner) (OPG-K) and ocular pneumoplethysmography (Gee) (OPG-G) reflect changes in flow and pressure resulting from hemodynamically significant lesions. We examined 66 patients prospectively with UI, OPG-K, and OPG-G to compare the relative accuracy of these techniques with contrast arteriography. Both UI and OPG-G were significantly more accurate than OPG-K. While the accuracies of UI and OPG-G were not significantly different, their combined use resulted in a significant increase in sensitivity compared with that of Doppler imaging alone. In addition, UI correctly identified 22 (85%) of 26 occlusions of the internal carotid artery. The use of UI and OPG-G together provided accurate anatomic and hemodynamic information useful in the evaluation of carotid occlusive disease.