Progression of asymptomatic peripheral artery disease over 1 year.

The pathophysiology and time course of an individual converting from asymptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) to symptomatic claudication is unclear. The objectives of this study were: (1) to characterize the extent of atherosclerotic disease in individuals with an abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI), but without claudication; and over 1 year of follow-up to (2) evaluate the progression of PAD using ultrasound imaging, (3) determine changes in the ABI and leg pain symptoms, and (4) correlate PAD progression with changes in the ABI and leg symptoms. We hypothesized that PAD progression would be associated with the development of claudication and changes in the ABI, 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD), and walking quality of life.

Ethnicity and peripheral arterial disease: the San Diego Population Study.

Background: Previous studies have indicated higher rates of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in blacks than in non-Hispanic whites (NHWs), with limited information available for Hispanics and Asians. The reason for the PAD excess in blacks is unclear.

Methods And Results: Ethnic-specific PAD prevalence rates were determined in a randomly selected defined population that included 4 ethnic groups; NHWs, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians.

Subclavian artery stenosis: prevalence, risk factors, and association with cardiovascular diseases.

Objectives: The objective was to assess the prevalence of subclavian artery stenosis (SS) in four cohorts (two free-living and two clinical populations) and determine both risk factors for this condition and the association with other cardiovascular conditions.

Background: The prevalence of SS in the general population is unknown, and its association with risk factors and other cardiovascular diseases is not well-established.

Methods: A total of 4,223 subjects (2,975 from two free-living cohorts and 1,248 from two clinical cohorts) were included in this cross-sectional analysis.

Importance of Doppler analysis of transmitted atrial waveforms prior to placement of central venous access catheters.

Purpose: To assess the sensitivity of Doppler flow analysis of the axillary and internal jugular veins to screen for clinically occult thoracic central veno-occlusive disease and predict successful placement of central access catheters.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-seven patients underwent both duplex sonographic evaluation of the axillary and internal jugular veins and contrast venography prior to placement of a central venous catheter. Duplex evaluation included visual evidence of veno-occlusive disease as well as the presence or absence of normal transmitted polyphasic atrial waves and respiratory variation of flow.

Intraosseous venous drainage anomaly in patients with pretibial varices: imaging findings.

Purpose: To determine a set of distinctive imaging findings seen in symptomatic patients with pretibial varices.

Materials And Methods: Medical records and imaging studies of patients who presented with pretibial varices over an 8-year period were collected from four institutions. Findings in six symptomatic patients with pretibial varices were retrospectively reviewed.