What diagnostic tests are used for PAD and PVD?

• A. Doppler ultrasound and ankle-brachial index
• B. MRI of the brain
• C. Echocardiography of the heart
• D. CT scan of the chest

Answer: (A)

Noninvasive vascular testing is used to diagnose PAD and PVD, focusing on arterial perfusion of the limbs. The standard initial workup combines Doppler ultrasound with the ankle-brachial index. Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to assess blood flow in the leg arteries and can reveal narrowed or blocked vessels, while the ankle-brachial index compares blood pressures in the ankle and arm to quantify perfusion. A reduced ABI (typically below 0.90) supports a PAD diagnosis, and duplex imaging helps localize the diseased segment. These tests are quick, noninvasive, and widely available, making them the primary tools for detecting PAD/PVD. The other listed tests—MRI of the brain, echocardiography, and CT scan of the chest—address different organs and conditions and are not used to diagnose PAD/PVD.