[Color-coded duplex ultrasound of lower leg arteries--image reliability with reference to Fontaine stages]

We examined the accuracy of colour flow detection of lower limb arteries in relation to Fontaine's criteria of obstructed peripheral circulation. Assessments were conducted in relation to stages I and II as well as to stages III and IV and compared to the corresponding i. a.-DSA: On comparing the total of all ultrasound results in stages (I-IV) with those of arteriography (92 calf arteries) we found a sensitivity between 80 and 90% and a specificity between 90 and 97%. Results did not differ from these values in the subgroups Fontaine II-IV. Especially in the stages III/IV in comparison to stage II we could not find any disadvantages of colour coded vessel imaging. With sufficient reliability we succeeded in demonstrating calf arteries in endangiitis (Bürger's disease) and in diabetics with mediasclerosis.