Blood flow velocity in the anterior part of the circulus arteriosus in ischemic stroke: correlation with Doppler ultrasonography of the internal carotid arteries]

The correlation was studied between blood flow velocity in the anterior part of the circulus arteriosus and the condition of the internal carotid arteriess in their extracranial course studied by Doppler USG. The arteries in the anterior part of the circulus were studied in 100 patients with ischemic stroke, and in 50 controls without cerebrovascular disease. Only strokes in the area of the middle cerebral artery (MSC) were considered. The patients were divided into 4 subgroups depending on the condition of the extracranial portion of the carotid internal arteries (ICA): 1. with normal pattern of arteries in USG-duplex, 2. with narrowing without haemodynamic importance, 3. with high-grade stenosis and haemodynamic disturbances, 4. with occlusion of the ICA. Transcranial Doppler USG was carried out through a "temporal window" assessing blood flow velocity in the MCA and in the anterior cerebral arteries (ACA) on both sides. RESULTS: In subgroups 1 and 2 the mean flow velocity in MCA was reduced on the side of the stroke. In groups 3 and 4, apart from reduced flow velocity in the MCA on the side of the stroke, increased velocity on both sides was found in the ACAs. CONCLUSION: The degree of ICA narrowing in its extracranial part was influencing the condition of intracranial circulation.