[Ultrasonic angiography in diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease]

The ability of Quickscan (QS) was studied to assess haemodynamically significant lesions in the iliac and femoro-popliteal arteries. Quickscan was prospectively and independently compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the iliac and femoro-poplited arteries. In 155 patients, 631 arterial segments were evaluated. A QS frequency ratio of greater than 1:3 had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 85% in detecting stenosis > 50% diameter (75% area) reduction in the iliac artery as shown on DSA. The sensitivity and specificity for stenosis in the femoral and popliteal arteries were 85%, 96%, 82%, 98% respectively. In the detection of occlusion, QS had a sensitivity of 84% and a specifity of 98% in the iliac artery; 94%, 97%, in the femoral; and 94%, 85% in the popliteal arteries respectively. There was a significant correlation between the area reduction found by QS and the calf/brachial pressure index (CBI) (r = -0.77 P < 0.01). 35 patients underwent successfully angioplasty based on QS findings. We conclude that quickscan can provide an inexpensive, quick and noninvasive screening technique for the routine initial assessment of peripheral vascular disease.