Doppler testing in peripheral vascular occlusive disease.

One hundred and twenty-five patients received both lower limb arterial Doppler ultrasonics examinations and arteriographic tests. From the 250 limbs, 963 segments--iliofemoral, femoral, popliteal and popliteal trifurcation--were measured. Arteriography confirmed 649 of the 673 normal ultrasound results, while of the 290 abnormal ultrasound tests, 261 were documented by arteriography. Combining all segments, 910 were accurately defined by the Doppler ultrasonic technique for a reliability factor of 95 per cent. This simple, inexpensive, noninvasive technique was judged to be highly reliable in detecting and assessing occlusive lesions of the peripheral arterial system, making it a valuable adjunct to the evaluative procedure for patients with peripheral vascular occlusive disease.