CT Quick Guides ❯ Vascular CT Appearances: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Vascular CT Appearances

 

 

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Vasculitis CT Findings

  • Vascular disease more common with aging
  • CT can define presence and degree of vessel narrowing
  • CT faces challenges of grading stenosis when calcification is extensive
  • Arterial phase mapping is ideal

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) CT Findings

Other Information About Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Etiology:

  • Plaque
  • PAD is more common in patients who smoke, are obese, or have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

Epidemiology:

  • Common
  • Typically presents after age 65

Presentation:

  • Typically asymptomatic
  • Muscle pain in the extremities
  • Cramping
  • Numbness of the lower extremities
  • Discoloration or change in temperature of the legs

Prognosis:

  • PAD should be treated to avoid amputation and complications such as stroke

Related Pearls: Run Off Studies (Below Iliacs)

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