Diagnostic tests for CVA: other

1. How is carotid ultrasound useful for diagnosis of CVA?
2. What is angiography used for? What is the complication rate?
3. What is MRA used for?
4. What is lumbar puncture useful for/
5. What is TEE useful for?

Answers:
1. Useful as a screening tool for carotid stenosis.
2. Diagnosis of aneurysms, vascular malformations, arterial dissections, narrowed or occluded vessels, and angiitis. Complications, including aortic or carotid artery dissection, embolic stroke, vascular spasm, and occlusion occur in 2-12%.
3. Detection of extracranial carotid artery stenosis, evaluation of large cervical and basal vessels.
4. LP is used to detect blood in CSF, primarily in SAH.
5. TEE is used to detect potential cardiac sources of embolism.