COMPARISON BETWEEN DOPPLER ULTRASOUND AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

Abstract

Background: Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a significant circulatory disorder affecting blood flow outside the heart and brain, often leading to serious complications such as ischemia and limb loss. Doppler ultrasound (DUS) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) are widely used imaging modalities for diagnosing PVD, each with distinct advantages. While DUS provides real-time hemodynamic assessment, CTA offers detailed anatomical visualization, particularly in cases of complex vascular pathology. The effectiveness of these imaging techniques varies across different age groups, necessitating a comparative analysis to optimize diagnostic strategies.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of DUS and CTA in detecting PVD across different age groups, evaluating their respective advantages and limitations in relation to patient demographics and vascular pathology.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 participants categorized into pediatric, adult, and elderly groups. Patients presenting with symptoms of PVD underwent both DUS and CTA for vascular assessment. Stratified random sampling ensured a balanced representation across age groups. Clinical data, imaging findings, and demographic variables were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, applying descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and group comparisons to determine associations between age and diagnostic outcomes. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Elderly patients accounted for 42% of the sample, adults 30%, and pediatric patients 28%. DUS detected stenosis or occlusion in 58% of cases, while CTA confirmed these findings in all but 2%. Peripheral pulse abnormalities were observed in 74% of participants, with absent pulses in 40% and reduced pulses in 34%. Calcifications were noted in 54% of cases, significantly affecting DUS accuracy. CTA provided superior imaging in complex cases, particularly in elderly patients with advanced atherosclerosis (p = 0.004). DUS was preferred in pediatric patients due to its non-invasive nature, whereas CTA was indispensable for preoperative planning and cases requiring precise vascular mapping.

Conclusion: DUS remains a valuable first-line diagnostic tool for PVD, offering a safe and cost-effective approach for functional vascular assessment. However, CTA provides unparalleled anatomical detail, making it essential for evaluating complex vascular conditions and guiding surgical interventions. A complementary approach integrating both modalities enhances diagnostic accuracy and improves patient outcomes.