Carotid Artery Stenosis: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: Plaque in the carotid artery can cause stenosis leading to hemodynamic compromise. This is clinically relevant mostly as it applies to an increased risk of Stroke, which can be reduced by a carotid endarterectomy in certain indications (i.e. with a threshold degree of stenosis).

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The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Carotid Artery Stenosis are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Specific Findings

Carotid Bruit
Duplicate

23.5%

95.8%

for stenosis >50%. in asymptomatic patients undergoing CABG

Study: Int J Cardiol. 2006 Feb 15;107(2):225-9 PMID: 16412801

Poorly Diagnostic Findings

Finding	Sensitivity	Specificity	Comments, Study
Carotid Bruit Duplicate	71%	81%	>50% stenosis. in patients referred for carotid ultrasound (bias?) Study: BMC Neurol. 2008 Jun 24;8:23. PMID: 18577216
Doppler Ultrasound	68%	67%	carotid doppler evaluating Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), for criteria consistent with >70% stenosis. data from NASCET trial Study: Stroke. 1995 Oct;26(10):1747-52. PMID: 7570719
Carotid Bruit Duplicate	63%	61%	stenosis >70%. symptomatic patients (TIA or stroke) Study: Ann Intern Med. 1994 Apr 15;120(8):633-7. PMID: 8135446