The Role of Duplex Ultrasound in the Detection of Upper Extremity Artery Pathology,and Post Endovascular Complications

Abstract

Upper extremity pathology is uncommon and generally involves the brachial artery in about 12% of the cases. Of chronic upper limb ischemia, trauma, fibromuscular dysplasia, giant cell arteritis, and atherosclerosis are among the most reported cases. After a thorough review of the literature, there is agreement with duplex ultrasound sensitivity and specificity for predicting >70% stenosis in the subclavian arteries with a sensitivity of >82% and specificity of >90%. This article not only correlates the relationship between duplex ultrasound and severe peripheral arterial disease, but it also proves with 100% accuracy the ability to detect latent and abnormal pathology of the upper extremities post endovascular intervention.