The role of color Doppler and multidetector CT angiography in evaluation of peripheral arterial diseases of lower limb

Background: Characterized by atheromatous narrowing and hardening of arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet. Diabetes, along with other risk factors such as hypertension and smoking, exacerbates the prevalence and severity of PAD, leading to decreased blood flow and subsequent tissue injury. The prevalence of PAD in diabetics rises with age, underscoring the importance of early detection and management strategies. Methods: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of color Doppler and MDCT Angiography in assessing lower limb peripheral arterial diseases. Conducted over twenty-four months, the cross-sectional study involved clinically suspected symptomatic cases aged 30 years and above, presenting at a tertiary care center. Patients underwent thorough clinical examination and demographic assessment before undergoing Color Doppler flowmetric studies and MDCT angiography. Results: Results revealed that color Doppler, with its ability to measure wall thickness and vascular flow, demonstrated promising diagnostic efficacy compared to MDCT angiography. Additionally, follow-up records of patients undergoing medical or surgical interventions provided valuable insights into the practical utility of these imaging modalities in guiding clinical management decisions. Conclusions: Overall, this study underscores the importance of non-invasive imaging techniques in diagnosing and evaluating the progression of peripheral arterial diseases. It suggests that Color Doppler Ultrasound, with its accessibility, low cost, and radiation-free nature, could serve as a suitable alternative to MDCT Angiography for assessing arterial characteristics in patients with PAD.