Objective: To identify the ultrasound image characteristics of lower limb arteries in diabetic feet.
Methods: 189 patients with diabetic feet were recruited in this study. 375 lower limbs of the patients were classified into grade I-IV according to their Fontaine classifications and accepted Color Doppler Ultrasound examinations. Of the 375 lower limbs, 210 were classified as level I, 46 as level II, 43 as level III and 76 as level IV. The degree of artery stenosis was categorized into < or = 50% reduction in diameter, 51%-99% reduction in diameter and complete occlusion. The lesion characteristics of common femoral arteries, superficial femoral arteries, popliteal arteries, anterior tibial arteries, posterior tibial arteries, peroneal arteries and dorsalis pedis arteries were analyzed. The ultrasound scores of lower limbs arterial diseases were compared in the patients with different levels of Fontaine classifications.
Results: The incidence of plagues in lower extremities arteries was 97.60% (366/375). Most plaques (97.60%, 366/375) were distributed in crus arteries and the majority of plaques (59.47%, 223/375) were serious. The incidence of PAD was 63.73% (239/375). Crus vasculars involvement was more serious. The levels of Fontaine classifications of the lower limb arteries were associated with ultrasound vascular disease severity scores. The higher grade had higher scores. The lower limbs with at least one occlusive blood vessel in the patients with Fontaine grade I reached 30%.
Conclusion: The Ultrasound image is an important screening tool for PAD in diabetic feet. It can estimate the type of plaques, the seriousness of artery diseases and the location of lesions. Because up to 30% diabetic feet with Fontaine I classifications have at least one occlusive blood vessel, the clinical manifestations do not provide enough evidence for the diagnosis of PAD.