Clinical Measurement of Systolic Pressures in Limbs With Arterial Occlusive Disease

Systolic pressures can be measured easily in the limbs with arterial occlusive disease using blood pressure cuffs. Pulse pick-ups, ultrasonic flow detector, spectroscope, or visual "flush" technique may be used to detect the end point. Systolic pressures were measured in 202 limbs with angiographically documented arterial disease and in 86 control limbs. The pressures were abnormal in all limbs with complete proximal occlusion and in the majority of limbs with proximal stenosis. Such measurements are helpful in the evaluation of cases with doubtful arterial disease, in selection of patients for arterial surgery, in the objective assessment of the results of treatment, and in the follow-up of patients. The described techniques should find wide clinical application, particularly since the measurements can be carried out easily at bedside and in the physician's office.