Corkscrew collaterals in atherosclerosis obliterans

Yuichi Fujii1, Tomohiro Ueda1, Yuko Uchimura1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine JR Hiroshima Hospital 3-1-36 Futabanosato, Higashi-ku Hiroshima 732-0057 Japan.

Clinical Case Reports
|December 12, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Marked femoral artery calcifications hinder imaging. However, corkscrew collateral arteries in Atherosclerosis obliterans (ASO) signal complete artery blockage.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Radiology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Femoral artery calcifications present a diagnostic challenge.
  • Computed tomography (CT) and duplex ultrasonography are common imaging modalities.

Observation:

  • Severe calcifications obscured direct visualization of the femoral artery.
  • Corkscrew collateral arteries were observed in patients with Atherosclerosis obliterans (ASO).

Findings:

  • The presence of corkscrew collateral arteries is a strong indicator of total femoral artery occlusion.
  • This finding aids in diagnosing ASO when direct imaging is compromised.

Implications:

  • This diagnostic sign can improve the detection of critical limb ischemia in ASO patients.
  • Enhanced understanding of collateral circulation in ASO may guide treatment strategies.

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