Relationship Between Carotid Artery Duplex Sonography Parameters and Cerebral White Matter Changes in Mongolian Population

Abstract

Background: Early detection and appropriate management of vascular disorders, along with risk factor control, are crucial in preventing cerebrovascular events. However, no studies have explored the relationship between cerebrovascular duplex sonography parameters and cerebral white matter (CWM) changes in Mongolia. Aim: To investigate the relationship between carotid artery duplex sonography parameters and changes in cerebral white matter. Materials and Methods: This study, conducted at the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital of MNUMS between May 1, 2022, and October 1, 2022, involved 125 participants who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cerebral vascular ultrasound duplex-Doppler imaging was performed to assess general carotid, extracranial, and intracranial arteries, as well as changes in cerebral white matter, using a CRT device with a 1.5 Tesla magnetic field. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-25, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the 125 subjects was 70.00±6.43 years, with 38.4% (n=46) being male. Among all participants, 40% (n=50) were classified as phase I, 36% (n=45) as phase II, and 24% (n=30) as phase III. A statistically significant difference was observed in the occurrence of stroke by Fazekas grade, with prevalence increasing with higher grade (p=0.015). Furthermore, 65.6% (n=82) of all study subjects exhibited DDD thickening of the general carotid artery. There was a trend of increasing DDD thickness of the general carotid artery with advancing Fazekas grade from phase I to III (p=0.037). Conclusion: Among subjects undergoing brain MRI, 40% were classified as phase I, 36% as phase II, and 24% as phase III of Fazekas grade. As the severity of white matter changes in the brain increased, there was a tendency for thickening of the inner-middle layer of the carotid artery (p=0.037).