Blinded-reader comparison of magnetic resonance angiography and duplex ultrasonography for carotid artery bifurcation stenosis.

Abstract

Although the sensitivity and specificity of MRA and duplex ultrasonography are not significantly different for distinguishing surgical and nonsurgical degrees of stenosis at the carotid bifurcation, MRA has some advantages that may make it the screening test of choice. Concordant MRA and duplex ultrasonography for surgical disease does not necessarily obviate the need for catheter arteriography.