Spectrum of Carotid Doppler Ultrasonographic Findings in Patients Admitted with Ischemic Stroke

Background: The burden of ischemic stroke is increasing worldwide and carotid artery atherosclerosis is considered an important etiological factor. Carotid Doppler ultrasonography is a non-invasive and reliable modality for detecting vascular abnormalities associated with ischemic stroke. Objectives: To determine the spectrum of carotid Doppler ultrasonographic findings in patients admitted with ischemic stroke. Study Design & Setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diagnostic Radiology Department of H. H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Hospital/CMH from 24 November 2025 to 24 May 2026. Methodology: A total of 167 patients aged 18–70 years admitted with ischemic stroke were included through nonprobability consecutive sampling. Patients with hemorrhagic transformation, cortical venous thrombosis, hypercoagulability disorders, prior stroke, or previous carotid procedures were excluded. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. All patients underwent carotid Doppler ultrasonography for assessment of thickened carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), intra-carotid plaque, and significant carotid stenosis. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Results: The mean age of patients was 58.42 ± 10.71 years and mean BMI was 27.14 ± 4.26 kg/m². Thickened CIMT was observed in 109 (65.3%) patients, intra-carotid plaque in 86 (51.5%), and significant carotid stenosis in 24 (14.4%) patients. Significant associations were observed between carotid Doppler findings and age, BMI, gender, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol use, statin use, and stroke territory (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Thickened CIMT, intra-carotid plaque, and significant carotid stenosis were common carotid Doppler findings among ischemic stroke patients. Carotid Doppler ultrasonography may be useful for early vascular assessment and risk stratification in such patients.