Diagnosis of subclavian steal syndrome using color doppler ultrasonography

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of color Doppler ultrasonography in subclavian steal syndrome (SSS). Methods: The sonographic appearance and the hemodynamic data of extracranial vertebral, subclavian, innominate arteries in 30 patients with SSS were displayed with color Doppler ultrasonography, and do tourniquet test. Results: The insidious group included 6 cases (20.0%), the partial group included 14 cases (46.6%) and the completed group included 10 (33.3%). The accurately diagnosed cases by ultrasound were 28 (93.3%). The misdiagnosed cases were 2 (6.7%, all in the insidious group). Conclusion: Color Doppler ultrasonography can be prompted to subclavian steal the lesion site, extent and causes, while effectively evaluate the hemodynamic changes in the clinical diagnosis of SSS is the preferred method of imaging examination. (authors)