J Korean Soc Vasc Surg.  2010 May;26(1):1-10.

Noninvasive Diagnostic Modalities for Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease

• Joh JH

Abstract

The noninvasive vascular laboratory has become central to the evaluation of patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) of the lower extremities. Most such patients have atherosclerosis as the cause of PAOD. Because noninvasive vascular laboratory techniques are widely available, relatively inexpensive, well-tolerated, and provide quantitative physiologic information, they are most commonly used as the first line objective modalities to confirm the diagnosis, establish the severity of ischemia, and estimate the anatomic level of involvement in patients that are suspected as having PAOD based on history and physical signs. This article focuses on the commonly used instruments, examination techniques, interpretive guidelines, and clinical application of each modality.

Keyword

Noninvasive; Vascular; Laboratory; Peripheral; Arterial occlusive disease

MeSH Terms

Arterial Occlusive Diseases
Atherosclerosis
Humans
Ischemia
Lower Extremity