D. Sacks et al., THE VALUE OF DUPLEX SONOGRAPHY AFTER PERIPHERAL ARTERY ANGIOPLASTY INPREDICTING SUBACUTE RESTENOSIS, American journal of roentgenology, 162(1), 1994, pp. 179-183
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine if abnormal find
ings on duplex sonographic examination after peripheral artery angiopl
asty correlate with the subsequent recurrence of a stenosis. SUBJECTS
AND METHODS. We used duplex sonography to examine 35 stenoses in 23 pa
tients within 48 hr after the patients had angioplasty to treat these
stenoses. Patients were followed up for 3 years by using one or more o
f the following: assessment of signs and symptoms, monitoring of perip
heral pulses, pulse volume recordings, and angiography. Life tables we
re constructed to compare long-term patency with the presence of abnor
mal findings seen on duplex sonograms. Abnormal findings at the dilate
d segment included a blood-flow velocity greater than 120 cm/sec or a
residual elevated velocity ratio greater than 1.4 or 2.0 immediately a
fter angioplasty. RESULTS. Twelve (34%) of 35 angioplasty sites showed
recurrent stenosis before 36 months. Patency at 24 months was calcula
ted for velocities less than 120 cm/sec vs velocities of 120 cm/sec or
greater (41% vs 68%), for velocity ratios less than 1.4 vs ratios of
1.4 or greater (63% vs 57%), and for velocity ratios less than 2.0 vs
ratios of 2.0 or greater (54% vs 74%). We found no significant differe
nce in patency between those patients with normal findings and those w
ith abnormal findings on duplex sonographic examination after angiopla
sty.CONCLUSION. Abnormal findings on duplex sonograms obtained immedia
tely after peripheral angioplasty cannot be used to predict subacute r
estenosis.