[Color-coded duplex sonography before and after PTA of the arteries of the lower extremities]

The value of color-coded duplex sonography in the pelvic and lower limb arteries was studied prospectively in 52 patients and the findings were compared with intra-arterial DSA. There was high diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 91.7%, specificity 98.9%) for the demonstration of vascular abnormalities. In 84.3% of cases a correct diagnosis could be obtained based entirely, or largely, on the color-coded signal. Both before and after PTA color-coded duplex sonography is a non-invasive method that is superior to conventional duplex sonography.