What is the typical range for the ankle/arm index in claudicating patients?

The ankle/arm index (AAI) is a valuable diagnostic tool used to assess peripheral artery disease (PAD), particularly in patients with claudication. For patients experiencing claudication, a typical AAI range of 0.5 to 0.9 indicates the presence of significant arterial occlusion or stenosis, which correlates with symptomatic conditions like claudication.

An AAI within this range suggests that there is reduced blood flow to the legs compared to the arms, a hallmark of vascular issues. In these patients, the ratio reflects impaired perfusion during exertion, leading to the characteristic pain of claudication. The maintenance of an AAI above 0.9 is typically indicative of minimal to no arterial disease, while values below 0.5 suggest more severe disease, potentially leading to critical limb ischemia.

Understanding this range helps healthcare professionals evaluate the severity of claudication symptoms and formulate appropriate management plans for patients with possibly occluded peripheral arteries.