To evaluate peripheral occlusive diseases quantitatively, we performed color duplex sonography. Between July 1996 and July 1998, we examined 68 limbs of 40 patients using color duplex sonography in addition to intraarterial digital subtraction angiography for evaluation of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. We classified the wave form of blood flow into four types (Type I-IV). Furthermore we measured the systolic velocities of the dorsal pedial and the posterior tibial arteries as well as the brachial artery. We also calculated the flow volume, and the ratio of systolic velocities and flow volume of lower to upper extremity (AVI, AFI). The waveform was significantly higher in Fontaine class III and IV, and showed remarkable improvement after arterial reconstruction. The value of AVI as well as AFI showed lower in Fontaine class I, II, III, and IV in order. In four limbs classified as Fontaine class II or more with normal ankle pressure index, the values of AVI were rather lower. On the other hand, three limbs with normal values of peak AVI (>0.9) and lower API (<0.75) were in Fontaine class I. The types of waveform correlated with clinical symptoms, and showed a remarkable regression after arterial reconstruction. The new AVI and AFI values had better correlation with clinical symptoms than API.

Persistent sciatic artery is an embryonic blood vessel that continues to feed the lower extremity after fulfilling an important role in lower limb development during early gestation. It is so rare that only 20 cases have been reported in Japan. This paper describes a case of acute occlusion of a persistent sciatic artey. A 78-year-old woman was admitted to hospital because of sudden onset of severe pain in her left leg. Angiography showed bilateral persistant sciatic arteries (complete type) with occlusion of the left artery and a small aneurysm on the right side. Left femoro-popliteal bypass was performed and postoperative angiography showed that the graft was patent.

A 72-year-old man consulted a local physician due to an episode of loss of consciousness. When chest CT was performed after amelioration of symptoms, aneurysmal dilation was detected at the distal aortic arch. On CT, a distal aortic arch aneurysm appeared to be a sacciform aneurysm measuring 55mm in maximum diameter. In addition, coronary arteriography demonstrated complete obstruction of left anterior descending branch #6, while left ventriculography demonstrated left ventricular aneurysm due to old myocardial infarction. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume was increased to 285ml, and the end-systolic volume was increased to 224ml. Moreover, the left ventricular ejection fraction was markedly decreased to 21%. The distal aortic arch aneurysm was treated by total aortic arch replacement. Considering the postoperative development of cardiac failure, the left ventricular aneurysm was simultaneously treated by endoventricular patch plasty, the so-called Dor operation. The postoperative course of this patient was satisfactory, because the end-diastolic volume was decreased to 241ml, and the end-systolic volume was also decreased to 147ml. Furthermore, the left ventricular ejection fraction was increased to 39%, demonstrating an improvement in left ventricular function. In Japan, there have not been any reports describing simultaneous surgery for thoracic aortic aneurysm complicated by left ventricular aneurysm. Therefore, the present study reports the course of this patient, including the indications of endoventricular patch plasty.