[Value of color-coded duplex ultrasound in evaluating arm blood vessels--arteries and hemodialysis shunts].

Aim: Comparison of colour coded duplex sonography (CCDS) to angiography in visualizing arteries and haemodialysis fistulas of the upper extremity.

Method: 1145 arterial and vein segments were visualised using CCDS and angiography in 219 patients by different examiners with different degrees of experience. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated.

Results: For the arterial segments--subclavian artery up to the distal lower arm arteries--the sensitivity was 90% and the specificity 99%. The sensitivity for the detection of vascular alterations in haemodialysis fistulas was 89% and the specificity 95%.

Conclusion: CCDS may be able to replace diagnostic angiography of the arm except when evaluating the hand arteries and the central veins.