[Doppler ultrasonography of arteries of the lower extremities]

We examined 90 male nonsmokers aged 22 to 76, without any symptoms of arterial occlusive disease. They were in the I class of the NYHA classification. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to age: group I 22-49, group II 50-76. The study was performed using an Acuson 128 with linear probe 5 MHz. We examined arteries of the lower extremities from external iliac artery to popliteal artery. On the B-mode image the diameter of the artery and wall irregularities were evaluated. Doppler spectra were evaluated according to 3 criteria. Doppler waveforms differed significantly between two groups. The third wave of spectrum (the diastolic wave toward the probe) was significantly lower in group II. This finding may be caused by decrease in vessel wall compliance in elderly patients. Moreover we found spectral broadening in the presence of atherosclerotic plaques (38% in group II). The authors' examination showed that Doppler sonography is useful in the evaluation of abnormality of an asymptomatic areas. Our study also indicated that subject's age has to be taken into consideration when Doppler waveforms are evaluated.