Diagnostic strategy of vascular diseases of the lower limbs
Boccalon, H.
Archives des Maladies du Coeur et des Vaisseaux 84(11 Suppl): 1679-1687
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9683 PMID: 1768185 Document Number: 377413
Peripheral arterial disease requires different diagnostic strategies according to the clinical presentation: tissue ischemia, asymptomatic disease or polyarterial disease. In the presence of resting or effort ischemia, complementary investigations are indicated: arteriography should be reserved for indications of arterial reconstruction: ankle systolic pressure may be measured by all physicians to quantify the distal repercussions of the lesions. Asymptomatic peripheral disease is becoming more widely recognised and may be detected with flowmeter tests. Polyarterial disease is associated with increased mortality of patients with peripheral arterial disease. Symptoms of coronary artery disease are an indication for coronary angiography and myocardial scintigraphy. Patients with cerebrovascular events will require ultrasonic, CT scanning and cardiac investigations. The diversity of the diagnostic approach to peripheral arterial disease is creating a need for a new profile of vascular physicians.