Historically, what was the maximum normal ICA PSV?

Historically, what was the maximum normal ICA PSV?

• A. <100 cm/s
• B. <125 cm/s
• C. <150 cm/s
• D. <180 cm/s

Answer: (B)

In carotid duplex assessment, the speed of blood flow in the internal carotid artery reflects how narrow the vessel is: as stenosis increases, the peak systolic velocity rises because the same blood volume must pass through a tighter opening. Historically, the upper limit considered normal for ICA peak systolic velocity is 125 cm/s. That means a velocity below 125 cm/s was viewed as normal, while velocities above this threshold indicated some degree of stenosis and prompted further evaluation of severity with additional measurements (such as end-diastolic velocity and waveform pattern). The idea is that higher velocities point to narrowing, so 125 cm/s serves as the historical dividing line between normal and stenotic ICA flow.

In carotid duplex assessment, the speed of blood flow in the internal carotid artery reflects how narrow the vessel is: as stenosis increases, the peak systolic velocity rises because the same blood volume must pass through a tighter opening. Historically, the upper limit considered normal for ICA peak systolic velocity is 125 cm/s. That means a velocity below 125 cm/s was viewed as normal, while velocities above this threshold indicated some degree of stenosis and prompted further evaluation of severity with additional measurements (such as end-diastolic velocity and waveform pattern). The idea is that higher velocities point to narrowing, so 125 cm/s serves as the historical dividing line between normal and stenotic ICA flow.