Carotid artery pseudo-occlusion: does end-diastolic velocity suggest need for treatment?

Objective: We reviewed our institution's experience with carotid artery pseudo-occlusion (CAPO), to investigate whether internal carotid artery (ICA) end-diastolic velocity (EDV) as measured by duplex ultrasonography, was a predictor of need for further intervention.

Methods: From February 2003 to January 2008, 7478 patients underwent duplex ultrasonographic evaluation of their carotid arteries. Diagnosis of CAPO included the appearance of a narrow flow jet (string sign) on power doppler images, low velocities in the ICA and additional criteria listed below.

Results: Ten patients (0.13%) were identified as having a CAPO. All patients were asymptomatic and had an EDV<78 cm/s. Occlusion or functional occlusion was identified in nine patients on contrast imaging studies. Eight of these patients were treated medically without neurologic complication on follow-up. Two patients were treated with interventions and were asymptomatic at follow up. The mean follow up for the entire group was 12 months.

Conclusions: Although this is a low volume study, there is evidence to suggest that asymptomatic patients with low EDV in the setting of carotid artery pseudo-occlusion found of duplex, may be safely managed medically.