An audit of lower limb arteriography in diabetic patients

The outcome of 83 diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease who underwent arteriography between 1984 and 1988 was reviewed. Angioplasty was possible in 42 legs and was technically successful in 31 but led directly to clinical improvement in only 15. Five of 20 patients referred for vascular surgery also improved. Factors associated with a clinically successful outcome were presentation with claudication, palpable pulses in the contralateral foot, and radiographic evidence of either a short proximal lesion or 2-3 vessel run-off. Median life expectancy following arteriography was 36 months. The median time to amputation was 21 months and median survival with both life and limb intact was only 13 months.