Peripheral arteriograms analysis

Peripheral Arteriograms Analysis

Learning outcome:

  • Understand the use of peripheral arteriograms.

Useful resources:

  • Link to section on Radiology Vascular anatomy Radiopaedia

Systematic Approach to Peripheral Arteriogram Analysis

Step-by-Step Checklist

  1. Verify Details:

    • Name

    • Date of Birth

    • Hospital Number

    • Date Arteriogram was Taken

  2. Describe Image View:

    • Imaging Orientation:

      • Examples: anterior, posterior (or axial).

    • Anatomical Region Scanned:

      • Upper Limb: shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand.

      • Lower Limb: hip, thigh, knee, leg, foot, and ankle.

  3. Assess Each Major Artery Bilaterally:

    • Identify which artery is affected:

      • Understand peripheral vessel anatomy.

    • Determine which side:

      • Left or right?

    • Nature of Abnormality:

      • Types include stenosis (narrowing/partial occlusion) and complete occlusion.

    • Estimated Length of the Lesion:

      • Measure in centimeters (cm).

  4. Collateral Circulation:

    • Evaluate the presence or absence of collateral vessels.

    • Comment on adequacy of collateral flow if visible.

  5. Other Observations if Present:

    • Note any anomalies such as aneurysms, dissections, plaques, or thrombus.

    • Comment on surrounding soft tissues, bones, and organs if relevant.

    • State that remaining vessels and structures appear normal if no other abnormalities are found.

Imaging of Upper Limb Arteries

  • Detailed imaging of upper limb arterial vascular anatomy includes arteries such as:

    • (Further details not specified)

Imaging of Lower Limb Arteries

  • Detailed imaging of lower limb arterial vascular anatomy includes arteries such as:

    • Common iliac artery

    • External iliac artery

    • Femoral artery

    • Posterior tibial artery

    • Anterior tibial artery

    • Dorsalis pedis

    • Abdominal aorta

    • Internal iliac artery

    • Cruciate anastomosis

    • Femoral circumflex arteries

    • Profunda femoris

    • Common femoral artery

    • Deep femoral artery

    • Popliteal artery

    • Superficial femoral artery

    • Genicular artery

    • Fibular artery

Example of an Abnormal Finding

  • Found in Peripheral Arterial Disease:

    • May cause intermittent claudication.

Causes of Occlusion:

  1. Thrombus: Most common cause of arterial occlusion.

  2. Embolus: Often arises from atrial fibrillation (AF).

  3. Trauma: Results from arterial injury or dissection.

  4. Atherosclerotic Plaque: Causes progressive narrowing of the affected vessel.