Variations in interpretation of arterial stenosis

A survey containing schematic diagrams of differing shapes and sizes of arterial plaque was mailed to 200 vascular surgeons with 62 responses. The interpretations of these images differed widely, reflecting a disagreement in basic principles of assigning values to the residual and normal lumen size of arteries with stenotic plaque. Predominant opinion was split between the use of area versus minimum diameter and in considering the effects of taper and branching. A plea is made for discussion and adoption of a consensus so that more meaningful conclusions can be drawn from future data.