[Comparison of the value of angioscopy, angiography and ultrasonography in detection of pathologic vascular processes].

Aims: The ability of angioscopy, angiography and sonography to evaluate arteriosclerotic vascular lesions were compared to determine if angioscopy is a valuable addition in the diagnostic armamentarium.

Methods: An in-vitro study was selected to enable microscopic assessment of the arteries. Angiography was followed by sonography and endoscopy and finally the vessels were evaluated macro- and microscopically.

Results: The configuration of the vascular stenosis (plaque-shape, semicircular-eccentric, circular-concentric) was more reliably defined with angioscopy as compared to angiography and sonography. Intense calcification of plaque was detected sonographically with a high sensitivity (90%) using the acoustic shadowing and high amplitude criteria. Angioscopy was superior in differentiating between simple and complicated plaques and the assessment of ulcerations, while the visualization of the entire vascular tree with potential collaterals remained the domain of angiography.

Conclusions: Angioscopy seems to be valuable addition in the evaluation of arterial vascular disease. It can be used in the quality control after interventional radiology and surgery.