A new ultrasound-based approach could help doctors detect peripheral artery disease earlier, potentially avoiding amputations in people with poor blood flow to the legs and feet.
The method may improve how peripheral artery disease (PAD) is diagnosed – a condition that affects up to a quarter of adults and restricts circulation in the lower limbs. PAD can lead to pain, ulcers, and in severe cases, amputation. Current tests often detect the condition too late, especially in people with diabetes.
The risk of PAD increases with age, posing a challenge for preserving mobility and independence in later life. Earlier diagnosis can help prevent serious complications and support better health outcomes.
Researchers from the University of Surrey tested the method in 155 limbs from patients undergoing treatment for PAD. They compared the existing toe brachial index (TBI) test with a new approach using Doppler ultrasound waveforms.
The TBI test compares blood pressure in the arms with that in the toes to assess blood flow to the feet. However, it can be unreliable in some patients, particularly those with diabetes, whose arteries may become stiffened by the disease.
The alternative method, known as estimated TBI (eTBI), uses Doppler ultrasound to assess how blood flows through vessels. It proved faster, more accurate, and more consistent than the standard test, with healthcare professionals achieving similar results even on different ultrasound machines.
It also matched the standard test in assessing whether treatments had improved blood flow, while offering better reproducibility and accessibility.
Professor Christian Heiss, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Surrey, said: “This research could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective management of PAD, especially for people with diabetes and those at higher risk of heart diseases, which could result in preventing serious complications like foot ulcers and amputations.”
The development is particularly relevant for older adults, among whom PAD is more common and often undiagnosed until circulation problems begin to affect daily life.
Early detection could help prevent progression and reduce the need for more intensive interventions.
The ultrasound technique may also benefit healthcare systems by providing a more reliable and scalable screening tool, potentially reducing the number of severe PAD cases and related complications.
For people with diabetes – who face increased risks from both conditions – the improved diagnostic accuracy could support earlier treatment and reduce the likelihood of long-term disability.
