[Ocular and orbital blood flow in apparently healthy adults].

ABSTRACT

Doppler measurements of ocular and orbital blood flow at rest were studied using duplex ultrasonography in 30 apparently healthy adult volunteers. The following linear and calculated Doppler measurements were estimated at rest blood flow in ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), posterior ciliary arteries, central retinal vein and superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). In 10 patients Doppler measurements of blood flow in OA, CRA SOV were estimated 5 times by 2 observers with different level of skills in ultrasonographic ophthalmologic examination. Statistic analysis showed strong correlation of linear and calculated measurements in OA, CRA and venous blood flow velocity. A number of Doppler measurements with the most significant inter- and intraobserver variation were revealed. Measurements with high reproducibility were determined. Thus, a unique technique should be performed in estimation of Doppler measurements of blood flow in ocular and orbital vessels. The velocities in the main arteries (OA, CRA) and veins (SOV) were showed to have significant strong interobserver correlation. The highest reproducibility and accuracy was revealed for maximal systolic velocity in OA and CRA and maximal velocity for cardiac cycle in SOV.