Doppler spectral analysis of blood flow velocities in common femoral artery: age-related changes in healthy subjects and characteristics of abnormal hemodynamics in obstructive arterial disease.

Flow velocity patterns in the common femoral artery were analyzed in 66 lower extremities of 33 healthy subjects and 18 lower extremities of 12 patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) by Doppler ultra-sonography. In a phantom study, Doppler flow velocity showed a close correlation with actual flow velocity: y = 1.02x - 1.22 (r = 0.995). In clinical trials, 33 healthy subjects were classified into three groups: group I (20-40 years), group II (41-60 years) and group III (61-80 years). Starting time of acceleration (STA) was shortened as age increased. Peak reverse velocity (PRV), maximum deceleration rate (MDR), and pulsatility index (PI) were significantly decreased in group III as compared with groups I and II. In patients with ASO, STA was prolonged, and PFV, PRV, MAR, MDR, PI, VSA, and FV were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) as compared with healthy control group III. Consequently, marked characteristic changes such as flattening of curves and disappearance of reverse flow in Doppler flow wave-form were observed. These data obtained by Doppler ultrasonography are thought to be useful for the early diagnosis and follow-up of patients with ASO.