The pattern of non-diabetic peripheral vascular disease in South India

Abstract

Abstract One hundred and twelve South Indian males with nondiabetic peripheral vascular disease of the lower limb were classified clinically into three groups according to the level of obstruction (aorto-viliac, 26 patients; femoropopliteal, 46 patients; distal, 40 patients). Arteriography was done in 65 patients and serum lipid estimations in 69. In the aorto-iliac group the mean age was 45 years (± 11·6 s. d.); 23 per cent had hypertension, 28 per cent polycythaemia and 55 per cent hyperlipidaemia. Aortography suggested atheroma in most. In the femoropopliteal group the mean age was 39 years (± 12·8); 22 per cent had hypertension, 11 per cent polycythaemia and 21 per cent hyperlipidaemia. Arteriography showed lesions typical of atheroma in many and was consistent with thrombo-angiitis obliterans in some. In the distal group the mean age was 37 years (± 9·8); 8 per cent had hypertension, 20 per cent polycythaemia, 25 per cent hyperlipidaemia and 20 per cent had distal arterial disease of the upper limb. Arteriography was consistent with thrombo-angiitis obliterans in most cases. Atheroma seemed to be implicated in 96 per cent of the aorto-iliac group and in 64 per cent of the femoropopliteal group.