Carotid artery tortuosity, kinking, coiling: stroke risk factor, marker, or curiosity?

Although abnormalities in course and geometry (tortuosity, kinking, and coiling) of the internal carotid arteries (ICA) are commonly identified, their etiology and relationship with stroke and stroke risk factors remain unclear This study assessed the clinical and ultrasonographic features of the patients with abnormalities in course and geometry of the ICA. Carotid color duplex ultrasound studies of 345 consecutive patients referred to the Neuroultrasound Lab were prospectively evaluated. Abnormalities in direction and course of the ICA were classified according to the criteria of Weibel-Fields and Metz modified by the authors.

Hemodynamic effects of innominate artery occlusive disease on anterior cerebral artery.

Stenoses of the innominate artery (IA) may affect flow conditions in the carotid arteries. However, alternating flow in ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA) due to IA stenosis is extremely rare. A 49-year-old woman who was evaluated for symptomatic cerebrovascular disease presented with right latent subclavian and right carotid system steal.

A new dynamic method for detection of internal jugular valve incompetence using air contrast ultrasonography.

The internal jugular (IJ) valve is the only valve between the heart and the brain, preventing venous reflux into the IJ vein. Internal jugular valve competence has been tested by IJ venography. Doppler ultrasonography of the IJ vein and M-mode ultrasonography of the IJ valve, and color flow imaging (CFI) of the IJ vein.