EVALUATION OF THE FUNCTIONAL IMPORTANCE OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC OBLITERATIONS IN THE AORTO‐ILIAC ARTERY BY PRESSURE/FLOW MEASUREMENTS

Abstract

Abstract Arterial BP has been measured indirectly in the arm and intraarterially in the common femoral or external iliac artery of 23 patients with atherosclerosis obliterans and 2 patients with normal arteries. Blood flow in calf at rest and during reactive hyperemia has been measured by the use of venous occlusion plethysmography. The results of the pressure/flow measurements have been correlated to arteriographic findings. A systolic BP more than 10 mmHg lower in the common femoral or iliac artery than in the arm at rest and/or during reactive hyperemia was found to indicate atherosclerotic irregularities of functional importance. The results were found to be more informative if the ratio pressure drop/peak flow (“stenosis index”) could be calculated. A “stenosis index” of more than 2 was found in patients with serious changes in the aorto‐iliac arteries. The pressure measurements performed were found to give valuable information for the decision where to operate in cases of combined aorto‐iliac and femoropopliteal obliterations. They may be made in connection with the arteriography as a supplement to the radiologic examination.