[Sonographic diagnosis of arterial occlusive disease]

In 32 patients presenting symptoms of arterial occlusive disease, 50 lower limbs were examined both by ultrasonography and angiography (DSA). Sonography was performed using a 5.0 MHz real-time scanner; common femoral, superficial femoral and deep femoral arteries were visualized continuously in whole length. In 84% both the results from sonography and digital subtraction angiography verified or excluded arterial occlusion. Since lack of pulsation is the ultrasonic criterion of occlusion, real-time ultrasound does not differentiate between haemodynamically effective high-grade stenosis and total occlusion.