Duplex ultrasound with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) should replace duplex ultrasound with x-ray angiography as the standard diagnostic workup for patients at risk of stroke, according to a presenter at the International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (ISET) in Miami.
"X-ray angiography is an invasive procedure and it carries a risk of causing a stroke," said Dr. Kevin Abrams, medical director of neuroradiology at Baptist Hospital in Miami and author of the duplex ultrasound/MRA report. "While top ultrasonographers may accurately diagnose stenosis with duplex ultrasound alone, some don't have enough experience doing ultrasounds."
Abrams’ research showed that duplex ultrasound followed by MRA correctly diagnosed those at highest risk for stroke 95% to 100% of the time, when compared to x-ray angiography.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersJanuary 23, 2001
Related Reading
MRA use advised in conjunction with DUS, November 27, 2000
MR angiography, duplex ultrasound, and DSA in carotid artery stenosis, November 26, 2000
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