• To evaluate the presence of plaque build-up (atherosclerosis) in the peripheral arteries.
• Peripheral vascular disease, or peripheral artery disease, is caused by the same atherosclerotic plaque that causes coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis, or the build up of plaque, can occur in arteries throughout the body. Some of the more commonly affected peripheral areas are the arteries in the legs, arms, kidneys and neck. Some patients may have both coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.
• As the internal lining of the artery thickens from the atherosclerotic plaque, the blood vessel becomes increasingly constricted and blood flow diminishes. Therefore, the symptoms you may experience depend on what artery is affected and how severely the blood flow is reduced.
• Some of the symptoms you may experience in the affected areas are:
  • Claudication (dull, cramping pain in hips, thighs or calf muscle)
  • Buttock pain
  • Numbness or tingling in leg, foot or toes
  • Changes in skin color (pale, bluish or reddish discoloration)
  • Changes in skin temperature, coolness
  • Impotence
  • Infection/sores that do not heal
  • Ulceration or gangrene
  • Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Renal (kidney) failure

What is the test?

Peripheral vascular angiography is an invasive diagnostic test using a catheter to inject dye (contrast medium) into peripheral arteries. X-rays are taken of the dye within the arteries, allowing clear visualization of the blood flow inside the artery where peripheral vascular disease occurs. To access the affected artery, the doctor will thread a catheter to the damaged artery. He or she will access the site by puncturing the groin (through the femoral artery) or the arm (through the radial or brachial artery).

Where is the test performed?

In the Heart Hospital Cardiovascular Lab or the Interventional Radiology Suite.

How long does this test take?

Peripheral vascular angiography takes about an hour. 

9/9/2008