Combination of pressure and velocity parameters in the non-invasive diagnosis of aorto-iliac disease

Three different femoral artery flow velocity parameters in combination with segmental pressure measurements were evaluated for their respective diagno stic value in identifying the presence or absence of hemodynamically signif icant aorto-iliac disease. A total of 60 patients (119 legs) were examined both non-invasively and wit h arteriography. Doppler flow velocities were recorded using a 5-MHz CW Dop pler velocity metering system. Of the three parameters used (peak velocity, decay time and deceleration), a decay time of 220 ms yielded the most prac tical discriminant value. The accuracy increases when in addition the upper thigh/arm pressure ratio values are considered. The results indicate that the combination of femoral artery decay time with the upper thigh/arm pressure index provides a simple and accurate non-inva sive screening method to confirm or rule out aorto-iliac disease. This help s to determine whether the patient is a candidate for arteriography and for potential surgical intervention.