[Usefulness of doppler ultrasonography in diagnosing changes in atherosclerotic lesions in lower extremity arteries in hyperlipoproteinemia]. / Przydatnosc sonografii dopplerowskiej w diagnostyce zmian miazdzycowych tetnic konczyn dolnych w hyperlipoproteinemii.

The purpose of this study was to establish the correlation between the intensity of atherosclerosis of the lower extremities found in the course of the Doppler examination, and type of hyperlipoproteinaemia. An attempt was undertaken to analyse the relation of the risk factors of obliterative atherosclerosis to the condition of the arteries in the lower extremities. 53 men at the age of 37 to 63 years (mean age 51 years) were examined. HLP type IIa, IIb, IV, was found in 16, 19, 18 patients respectively. The control group consisted of 30 healthy non-smoking men. The examination was performed using ACUSON 128 with a linear probe 5 and 7 MHz. The Doppler spectrum was registered from the external iliac, common femoral, superficial femoral, deep femoral and popliteal arteries. Simultaneously, a two-dimensional color picture of contrasted vessels, and the Doppler spectrum of blood velocity were recorded. Blood velocity spectrum was quantitatively assessed according to the classification suggested by Jager et al. The results of the Doppler examination confirmed the unfavourable influence of the so called risk factors on the progress of atherosclerosis, especially low serum concentration of HDL cholesterol and cigarette smoking. Besides, the examination has proved the possibility to diagnose even asymptomatic atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries of lower extremities.

[Doppler ultrasonography of arteries of the lower extremities]. / Sonografia dopplerowska tetnic konczyn dolnych.

We examined 90 male nonsmokers aged 22 to 76, without any symptoms of arterial occlusive disease. They were in the I class of the NYHA classification. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to age: group I 22-49, group II 50-76. The study was performed using an Acuson 128 with linear probe 5 MHz. We examined arteries of the lower extremities from external iliac artery to popliteal artery. On the B-mode image the diameter of the artery and wall irregularities were evaluated. Doppler spectra were evaluated according to 3 criteria. Doppler waveforms differed significantly between two groups. The third wave of spectrum (the diastolic wave toward the probe) was significantly lower in group II. This finding may be caused by decrease in vessel wall compliance in elderly patients. Moreover we found spectral broadening in the presence of atherosclerotic plaques (38% in group II). The authors' examination showed that Doppler sonography is useful in the evaluation of abnormality of an asymptomatic areas. Our study also indicated that subject's age has to be taken into consideration when Doppler waveforms are evaluated.