Vascular Tests for Dermatologists

Dermatologists encounter patients with a variety of lower extremity ulcers including those related to venous insufficiency and peripheral arterial disease. Vascular studies, including ankle brachial pressure index, toe pressure, toe brachial index, Doppler arterial waveform, Duplex ultrasonography, and angiography, play an essential role in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of vascular diseases. In fact, dermatologists are often the first medical providers to see patients with complex vascular conditions. Knowledge of the appropriate indications, interpretations, limitations, and advantages of the various vascular studies is critical to the successful and swift management of each patient presenting with a lower extremity ulcer. This study reviews the most commonly ordered arterial and venous studies and discusses the appropriate indications and interpretation of these studies.