From the Research
Repeat vascular studies for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are typically recommended annually for patients with established PAD, though this frequency may vary based on symptom changes and disease severity, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Considerations
- For asymptomatic patients with mild PAD, studies can be performed every 1-2 years, while those with moderate to severe disease or recent interventions should be evaluated every 6-12 months.
- Patients experiencing new or worsening symptoms such as increased leg pain, decreased walking distance, or new wounds should undergo immediate reassessment regardless of the regular schedule.
- The most common follow-up studies include ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements, duplex ultrasound, and occasionally CT angiography or MR angiography for complex cases.
Rationale
Regular monitoring is important because PAD is progressive and early detection of worsening disease allows for timely intervention to prevent complications like critical limb ischemia or amputation, as highlighted in 2 and 1.
Treatment Evaluation
Vascular studies help evaluate the effectiveness of current treatments including antiplatelet therapy, statins, and lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and exercise programs, which are crucial in managing PAD, as discussed in 3 and 4.
Recent Guidelines
The most recent study 1 provides a comprehensive review of antithrombotic therapies for patients with chronic peripheral arterial disease and after revascularization, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment approaches based on disease severity and patient risk factors.