An assessment of carotid phonoangiography and oculoplethysmography in the detection of carotid artery stenosis

Carotid phonoangiography (CPA) and oculophlethysmography (OPG) examinations for the detection of extracranial carotid occlusive disease were performed in 308 patients, 103 of whom underwent arch angiography. When correlated with angiographic findings, the overall accuracy of CPA/OPG was 86 per cent. There were 4 per cent false-positive and 9.6 per cent false-negative results, and these were further analyzed. Significant carotid bruits demonstrated by CPA strongly suggested the presence of appreciable carotid stenosis. Noninvasive CPA/OPG is an excellent diagnostic tool in patients with nonhemispheric symptoms, in those with asymptomatic bruits, as a screening procedure in potential stroke victims, and for follow-up after carotid endarterectomy. Caution is advised in relying on this and other noninvasive technics as the sole method for recommending angiography and operative treatment in symptomatic patients.