PAES duplex diagnostic criteria
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The development of a Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) diagnostic criteria using duplex ultrasound imaging
IRAS ID
242571
Contact name
Leszek Wolowczyk
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Popliteal arterial entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a condition whereby the blood flow through the popliteal artery is restricted due to external compression by surrounding structures, such as muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue. Long term compression of the popliteal artery can result in it becoming damaged, this can result in the vessel becoming narrowed, blocked or even dilated (aneurysmal), furthermore, this can cause symptoms of claudication (leg cramps. In severe cases, leg amputation may be necessary. Despite the increased recognition of PAES, it is still poorly understood and often misdiagnosed as it displays similar symptoms to many other conditions and there is no consensus amongst clinicians when it comes to strategies, diagnosis or management of PAES. Early diagnosis is essential for better clinical outcomes.
The most common diagnostic imaging tool for PAES are ultrasound, CT angiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) –the latter two have many limitations. Though ultrasound is frequently utilised in diagnosing PAES – currently, there is no universal diagnostic criteria in place for accurately diagnosing PAES. Ultrasound imaging is cost-efficient, non-invasive and is an ideal first line technique for diagnosing PAES compared to CT and MRI.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0635
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion