[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.