Objective: To study the correlation between Pulsatility Index (PI) and the presence of significant (>50%) stenosis of inflow vessels.
Design: Single centre, Retrospective study.
Patients: Between Jan 04 May, 05 all patients who had Doppler arterial studies followed by diagnostic angiograms were analyzed. N=176, 352 limbs.
Results: Using Logistic Regression, Smoking and PI were found to be significant indicators of >50% stenosis of the inflow vessels. PI < 2 correlated with > 50% inflow disease (p<.0001). Furthermore, PI < 3 correlated with > 50% inflow disease (p<.0001). Theses results were verified for Left and Right sides independently.
Conclusions: Pulsatility Index is a good method to detect significant (>50%) inflow disease. Use of Duplex U/S is recommended in all patients undergoing peripheral angiograms/Endovascular procedures to facilitate proper time and resource allocation in cases that might need concomitant intervention either in the Angio suite or the OR.