Vascular Imaging for the Primary Care Provider: Venous and Arterial Disease

Abstract

The vascular laboratory provides important contributions to the diagnosis, workup, and treatment of known or suspected vascular disease. Knowing what tests to order (and when to order them) allows for the best utilization of these resources. This article will focus on the appropriate use of the vascular lab for the primary care clinician regarding a variety of vascular presentations, including swollen leg, suspected peripheral artery disease, vasospastic disease, carotid artery stenosis, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Patients with known vascular disease often require serial surveillance imaging to document the stability or progression of disease, and consensus guidelines regarding these strategies will be reviewed.

Keywords: Abdominal aortic aneurysm; Carotid artery disease; Leg swelling; Peripheral artery disease; Vascular ultrasound; Vasospastic disorders.