3. EXTRACRANIAL CAROTID AND VERTEBRAL ARTERIES PROFILE IN DIZZINES

Abstract

Background: Dizziness is one of the most common neurologic symptoms found in clinical practice. Carotid and vertebral ultrasound can be performed to detect any factors predisposing dizziness. Objective: This study aimed to describe the profile of extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries using carotid and vertebral ultrasound in dizziness. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using the registry of Neurology Outpatient Clinic, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta from January 2018 until September 2020. Characteristics of subjects with dizziness were evaluated using carotid and vertebral ultrasound. Results: Of 2,699 subjects referred to transcranial doppler/carotid doppler (TCD-CD) clinic, there were 121 (4.53%) with dizziness. Incomplete data of 48 subjects were excluded. There were 42 (57.5%) female and 31 (42.5%) male with the mean age of 53.9 ± 14.5 years. Hypertension was found in 43 (58.9%) subjects. Thickening of intima medial complex was found in 20 (27.4%) subjects. Carotid artery abnormalities were found in 23 (31.5%) subjects. Soft plaque, hard plaque, and mixed plaque were found in 9, 8, and 1 subject, respectively. Tortous arteries were found in 3 subjects. Vertebral artery abnormalities were found in 3 (4.1%) subjects, in which 2 subjects had stenosis in bilateral vertebral arteries and one subject had occlusion in right vertebral artery. Conclusion: Carotid and vertebral ultrasound can be performed in dizziness to evaluate extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries as one of the risk factors of dizziness. Some extracranial carotid and vertebral artery abnormalities including artherosclorosis, plaque, and stenosis may present in dizziness.