Abstract:

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasound in carotid artery involvement in Takayasu's arteritis. Methods The ultrasonographic features of carotid arteries in 25 patients clinically diagnosed as Takayasu's arteritis were retrospectively analysed. Common carotid arteries, external carotid arteries and internal carotid arteries were examined by colour doppler ultrasound to observe the distribution of carotid lesions, and the inner diameters and intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries were measured. The stenosis and obstruction of carotid arteries were differentiated, and were compared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) findings. Results In 25 patients, 39(78%) common carotid arteries, 4(8%) external carotid arteries and 7(14%) internal carotid arteries were involved. In 39 involved common carotid arteries, diffused thickness of IMT was detected in 37 cases, and local thickness of IMT in 2 cases. There was one case of dissecting aneurysm, with IMT of 1.8 mm to 5.7 mm and different degrees of stenosis and obstruction. There was no significant difference in the diagnosis accordance rate of stenosis and obstruction between ultrasound and DSA （χ²=0.4224，P>0.05）. Conclusion Colour doppler ultrasound can demonstrate the characteristics of carotid artery wall and reveal the hemodynamic abnormalities of carotid artery, which is helpful in the diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis.

Key words: Takayasu′s arteritis, carotid artery, intima-media, ultrasound