Correlation between the Degree of Left Subclavian Artery Stenosis and the Left Vertebral Artery Waveform by Pulse Doppler Ultrasonography

Background:Development of retrograde blood flow may be observed in the vertebral artery and is associated with progressive ipsilateral proximal subclavian or innominate artery stenosis. The subclavian steal phenomenon is more prevalent in the left subclavian artery (LSA). The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between the degree of LSA stenosis and pulse Doppler waveforms of the left vertebral artery (LVA). Methods:A retrospective analysis of LVA waveforms was performed in 22 cases with LSA proximal stenosis before the origin of the LVA in conventional angiograms. The degree of LSA stenosis was classified into 5 groups (Results:A statistically significant correlation (R2 = 0.646, p Conclusions:The pattern analysis of LVA pulse Doppler waveforms seems to be useful in determining the degree of LSA stenosis.