Can augmentation index be used as an accurate tool in the diagnosis of peripheral obstructive arterial disease?

The use of radial augmentation index (rAI) as an indicator of vascular disease was investigated in the vascular imaging laboratory in a regional hospital.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a correlation exists between ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) and rAI in normal subjects, patients with peripheral obstructive arterial disease, and diabetic patients.

A group of 46 patients and 14 controls had ABPI and rAI measured and factors affecting AI were assessed.

rAI was found to have a negative correlation with ABPI (Spearman's ρ = -0.513, p < 0.01). There was significant increase in the rAI scores of diabetic patients compared to normal patients (normal median was 64% lower than diabetic median, p < 0.01) and in peripheral obstructive vascular disease patients compared to normal (normal median 69% lower, p < 0.001). Of the various affecting factors, age stood out with rAI having a positive correlation to age (Spearman's ρ = 0.68, p < 0.01).

The augmentation index appears be a significant indicator of cardiovascular disease and may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of vascular pathology.