Volume 48, Issue 2 June 2024 JVU 482-77 | Carotid Disease Classification: Impact of the 2021 Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Updated Recommendations vs. 2003 Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus Conference Criteria-482-77

482-77

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The study conducted by Wooster et al. compares the impact of the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) updated carotid criteria with the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) criteria on patients' carotid disease classification. The research assesses the re-assignment of carotid stenosis levels using peak systolic velocity (PSV) and PSV ratio thresholds. The study analyzed anonymized patient data from carotid duplex examinations, finding that the implementation of the IAC criteria led to a decrease in the degree of assigned stenosis, re-classifying 27% and 21% of patients based on PSV and PSV ratio, respectively. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate ultrasound interpretation criteria for appropriate patient management in vascular laboratories. Factors influencing accurate reporting in carotid duplex ultrasound studies include patient and technical variables which impact data interpretation. The study highlights the need for consistent and validated interpretation criteria to guide patient care effectively, underlining the challenges associated with implementing new guidelines. The study suggests that a significant percentage of patients may receive modified disease classifications, affecting surveillance, medical management, and intervention recommendations, with potential implications for clinical practice, facility logistics, and billing. Further research and careful consideration of the impact of changing interpretation criteria are recommended to ensure quality patient care alignment with the latest recommendations in carotid artery disease management.

Keywords

Intersocietal Accreditation Commission

IAC criteria

Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound

SRU criteria

carotid disease classification

peak systolic velocity

PSV ratio thresholds

carotid stenosis levels

ultrasound interpretation criteria

vascular laboratories