Anatomic localization of atherosclerotic lesions by hemodynamic tests

N. C. Reidy, R. Walden, W. A. Abbott, A. J. Greenfield, G. L'Italien and J. Megerman

Use of noninvasive tests to assess the severity of lower-extremity occlusive lesions is generally accepted. To evaluate the effectiveness of noninvasive vascular-laboratory tests in locating atherosclerotic lesions, the results of hemodynamic studies in 100 patients were reviewed by both skilled observers and a vascular computer, and compared with angiograms. The results of the comparison suggest a remarkable sensitivity of the vascular-laboratory tests in locating significant arterial obstructions, and underscore that the great predictive value of a negative results gives the physician reliable information on the patency of a given arterial segment. Computer interpretation proved less accurate than that of the vascular-laboratory personnel.