ROLE OF COLOR DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN EVALUATION OF EXTRACRANIAL CAROTID ARTERY IN STROKE PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. While internal carotid artery assessment is standard, the role of the external carotid artery (ECA) is less understood. This study evaluates color Doppler ultrasonography in assessing the ECA in stroke patients. In this prospective study, stroke p Methods: atients underwent color Doppler ultrasonography targeting the ECA. Parameters included peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities, intima-media thickness, plaque presence, and ow patterns. Findings were correlated with clinical and imaging data. Many patients Results: showed ECA abnormalities, including increased intima-media thickness, turbulent ow, and signicant stenosis, suggesting potential effects on cerebral perfusion and collateral circulation. Color Doppler ultrasonography i Conclusion: s a useful, noninvasive tool for evaluating ECA involvement in stroke, offering insights that may aid diagnosis and management.