[Early and late results of PTA in relation to the patient's age]

506 cases of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty performed between 1983 and 1988 in the iliac, femoropopliteal and crural segments were analyzed with special consideration of the patients' age. The early results were significantly worse only in the age group over 70. The late results were evaluated by the life table method. Relapses within the first 6 months occurred in 13.8% of the patients over 60 and in 8.2% of the younger age group (under 60). After 12 months, however, no significant difference was observed between the two age groups. The rate of complications (overall value 7.9%) was twice as high in the geriatric age group than among the younger patients. Type and extent of the occlusion, clinical stage and run-off conditions determine the early and late results.