Role of color Doppler ultrasound and MDCT angiography in the evaluation of peripheral arterial disease

Background and Objective: The main objective is to study the correlation between color Doppler ultrasound and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography in evaluating peripheral arterial disease. Settings and Design: Prospective observational study. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Radio Diagnosis, SVIMS, over a period of 18 months from March 2018 to July 2019. All of the 80 consecutive patients who were referred to the Department of Radio Diagnosis with clinical suspicion of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were studied. Color Doppler ultrasound followed by MDCT angiography were done in all of the patients. Results: Out of the total 1680 vessel segments in 80 patients, color Doppler sonography (CDS) was able to detect 545 (32.4%) positive segments, in comparison to the CTA which was able to detect 732 (43.5%) bilaterally, with 11.1% of cases detected more on MDCT angiography predominantly grade-2, 3, 4, except for grade-1. On overall except for wall thickness, MDCT angiography was better in detecting wall calcification, occlusion, and thrombus on comparison with CDS. Conclusion: CDS and MDCT angiography showed good agreement for grade-0, 1 PAD when compared to grade-2, 3, 4. CDS with an advantage of no risk of radiation, contrast related complications should be considered as a preliminary screening test in all patients with clinical suspicion of PAD. MDCT angiography should be considered for grade-2, 3, 4 stenosis assessments for selecting an appropriate treatment.