What are the examination methods for arteriosclerosis obliterans

The main examination methods for arteriosclerosis obliterans include physical examination, ankle brachial index measurement, color Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, and digital subtraction angiography.

1. Physical examination:

Physical examination is a preliminary assessment of the condition by doctors through visual examination, palpation, and other methods. The doctor will observe the color, temperature, presence of ulcers or gangrene on the patient's lower limb skin, and touch the pulsation of the femoral artery, popliteal artery, dorsalis pedis artery, and other areas. The weakening or disappearance of pulsation suggests the possibility of arterial stenosis or occlusion. This examination is non-invasive and convenient, and is the basic step of diagnosis, which can provide direction for subsequent examinations.

2. Ankle brachial index measurement:

Ankle brachial index is a commonly used non-invasive examination for screening and evaluating the severity of arterial occlusive disease. Determine by measuring the systolic pressure ratio of the ankle artery to the brachial artery. The normal range is usually between 1.0-1.4. If the ankle brachial index is below 0.9, it indicates the presence of lower limb arterial disease; If it is below 0.5, it indicates severe ischemia. This examination is simple to operate, has good repeatability, and can be used for disease monitoring and efficacy evaluation.

3. Color Doppler Ultrasound:

Color Doppler ultrasound can visually display the structure of the arterial wall, plaque properties, degree of luminal stenosis, and blood flow velocity. It can clearly distinguish arterial intimal thickening, plaque formation, thrombus or occlusion sites, and evaluate hemodynamic changes. This examination is radiation free and relatively inexpensive, making it an important imaging tool for diagnosing and following up on arterial occlusive disease, especially suitable for patients who are allergic to contrast agents or have renal dysfunction.

4. CT vascular imaging:

CT vascular imaging scans the entire body's arterial system through intravenous injection of contrast agents, accurately displaying the location, range, degree, and collateral circulation of arterial stenosis or occlusion. It has better display of calcified plaques than other examinations, which helps to develop surgical or interventional treatment plans. However, iodinated contrast agents are required, and patients with severe renal insufficiency or hyperthyroidism should be carefully evaluated.

5. Digital subtraction angiography:

Digital subtraction angiography is the "gold standard" for diagnosing arteriosclerosis obliterans. By inserting a catheter through arterial puncture, injecting contrast agent directly, and continuously taking X-rays, it is possible to dynamically and clearly display the entire view of the artery, including small lesions and collateral vessels. This examination is an invasive procedure commonly used for precise assessment of lesion details before interventional therapy, or when non-invasive examination results are unclear. After surgery, attention should be paid to compressing the puncture site to stop bleeding and resting in bed. Patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans should pay attention to controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids in daily life, quit smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, adhere to a low salt and low-fat diet, engage in appropriate walking exercises to promote collateral circulation, pay attention to foot warmth and care, and avoid external injuries. If there is resting pain, cold limbs, or unhealed wounds, it is necessary to seek medical attention for follow-up examination in a timely manner, and choose appropriate examination methods according to the doctor's advice to evaluate the progression of the disease.