Some aspects of ultrasound in the diagnosis and assessment of aortoiliac disease.
The presence and severity of aortoiliac atherosclerosis were assessed in 60 normal limbs and 54 limbs with peripheral vascular disease by means of arteriography, clinical examination and ultrasound analysis. The latter involved common femoral sonogram analysis with particular measurement of the pulsatility index, a study of transit time ratios and measurement of the half recovery time during reactive hyperemia. The transit time data were of limited value and only capable of diagnosing aortoiliac disease when complete occlusion was present. The pulsatility index and half recovery time were more sensitive indicators of aortoiliac disease, and both were superior to clinical examination alone. Their values became increasingly abnormal with increasing severity of disease, and both reverted to normal after successful aortoiliac surgery. When it was possible to directly inspect the aortoiliac segment at operation, the half recovery time accurately predicted the presence or absence of aortoiliac disease in every case, and its use as a reliable screen for aortoiliac disease is particularly recommended.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008875:Middle Aged; D011674:Pulse; D014463:Ultrasonography