Age and sex variability and normal reference values for the V(MCA)/V(ICA) index.
Publication/Presentation Date
4-1-2005
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The index of mean blood flow velocity (V) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) divided by respective velocity in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA), or V(MCA)/V(ICA) index, is commonly used as a marker of vasospasm, although reference values are not established. We sought to provide reference data for these velocities and index.
METHODS: Transcranial color-coded duplex and carotid duplex sonography was performed in 335 healthy volunteers (211 women, 124 men; mean age +/- SD, 42 +/- 18 years; range, 18-86 years). Age analyses were based on three groups: I, < 40; II, 40-60; and III, >60 years. The V(MCA)/V(ICA) index was calculated based on angle-corrected blood flow velocities determined in the MCA and extracranial ICA.
RESULTS: Mean flow velocities in the MCA and ICA diminished with increasing age, most pronounced in those subjects >40 years. The V(MCA)/V(ICA) index increased significantly (1.67 + 0.005 [age]; P < .05) with age in women, but not in men. In women, reference values and ranges for the V(MCA)/V(ICA) index were as follows, by group: I, 1.82 (range, 0.88-2.68); II, 1.91 (range, 0.94-2.88); and III, 2.06 (range, 0.59-3.53). Respective values for men were as follows, by group: I, 2.10 (range, 0.96-3.24); II, 2.04 (range, 0.71-3.37); and III, 1.78 (range, 0.81-2.75). In subjects < 40 years, the V(MCA)/V(ICA) index was significantly higher in men than in women.
CONCLUSION: The V(MCA)/V(ICA) index significantly varies with age and sex. Sonographic diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm should be based on age- and sex-adjusted reference values of the V(MCA)/V(ICA) index.
Volume
26
Issue
4
First Page
730
Last Page
735
ISSN
0195-6108
Published In/Presented At
Krejza, J., Szydlik, P., Liebeskind, D. S., Kochanowicz, J., Bronov, O., Mariak, Z., & Melhem, E. R. (2005). Age and sex variability and normal reference values for the V(MCA)/V(ICA) index. AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology, 26(4), 730–735.
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
15814913
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article