ROLE OF CAROTID DOPPLER ULTRASOUND IN DETECTING THE CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE RESULTING IN STROKE AFTER CABG SURGERY.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the role of Carotid doppler ultrasound in detecting thecarotid artery disease resulting in stroke after coronary artery bypass graft(CABG) surgery in our population. Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional study at Department of CardiacSurgery, Civil Hospital Karachi from 1st September 2015 to 31st January 2017.Data was collected for risk factors for stroke. Carotid doppler scanning was donein all patients undergoing CABG surgery. Post operative development of strokewas noted. Results: Total number of patients was 120 and the age range was 35-60 years.The risk factors for stroke (hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking) werepresent in 104 (86.7%) patients. Of the 4 patients with significant (50%-69%)unilateral carotid artery stenosis 2 patients developed stroke and the patient withbilateral significant stenosis also developed stroke. In patients with significant(50-69%) unilateral carotid artery stenosis, out of the 3 patients who had riskfactors for stroke one patient developed stroke postoperatively, while one patientin whom the risk factors were not present also developed stroke postoperatively.The patient with significant (50-69%) bilateral carotid artery stenosis who hadrisk factors for stroke also developed stroke Conclusion: Carotid Doppler Ultrasound screening is an effective tool in detectingthe carotid artery disease that may result in stroke after CABG. Key Words: Carotid doppler ultrasound, CABG, Cardiac Surgery, Stroke.