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Peripheral arterial disease and arterial Doppler ultrasound

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying the legs. It is most often caused by atherosclerosis and also indicates increased overall cardiovascular risk.

Possible symptoms

The typical symptom is calf, thigh or buttock pain or cramping during walking that resolves with rest. A reduced walking distance, cold feet, poor wound healing or foot pain at rest may also prompt assessment. Some cases cause no symptoms, particularly in people with diabetes.

Risk factors

Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age and cardiovascular history increase the risk of PAD. Assessment therefore addresses both leg circulation and prevention of cardiac and cerebrovascular complications.

What is arterial Doppler ultrasound used for?

Ultrasound of the leg arteries shows the vessels and analyses blood flow. It helps locate narrowing or blockage and assess its impact. Depending on the situation, ankle–brachial pressure index measurement or other imaging may be arranged within a specialist care pathway.

Treatment and follow-up

Management includes stopping smoking, suitable physical activity, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol control, and medication appropriate to the individual case. Referral to a vascular physician, interventional radiologist or vascular surgeon can be arranged when necessary.

Sudden limb pain with pallor, coldness, loss of sensation or difficulty moving the limb is an emergency: call 15 immediately in France.

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