Diagnosis of Peripheral Vascular Disease: Current Perspectives

Peripheral arterial disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, hypertension) are responsible for the development and progression of the disease. Progressive improvement of diagnostic techniques together with clinical tools has allowed a better diagnosis and earlier referral for revascularization techniques. Duplex ultrasound, computerized tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography are widely used for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. Digital subtraction angiography is used nowadays for revascularization procedures. This manuscript reviews the current status of the different techniques used to diagnose peripheral arterial disease.