Overview of classification systems in peripheral artery disease

Abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), secondary to atherosclerotic disease, is currently the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the western world. While PAD is common, it is estimated that the majority of patients with PAD are undiagnosed and undertreated. The challenge to the treatment of PAD is to accurately diagnose the symptoms and determine treatment for each patient. The varied presentations of peripheral vascular disease have led to numerous classification schemes throughout the literature. Consistent grading of patients leads to both objective criteria for treating patients and a baseline for clinical follow-up. Reproducible classification systems are also important in clinical trials and when comparing medical, surgical, and endovascular treatment paradigms. This article reviews the various classification systems for PAD and advantages to each system.

Keywords: Rutherford; TASC II; acute limb ischemia; chronic limb ischemia; diabetic foot ulcer; interventional radiology; peripheral artery disease.

Figures

Figure 1

Bollinger classification. 1—abdominal aorta; 2—common iliac; 3—external iliac; 4—internal iliac; 5—profunda; 6—superficial femoral; 7—popliteal; 8—anterior tibial; 9—peroneal; 10—posterior tibial; R—right; L—left.

Figure 2

Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document classification of aortoiliac lesions. CIA, common iliac artery; EIA, external iliac artery; CFA, common femoral artery; AAA, abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Figure 3

Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document classification of femoral popliteal lesions. CFA, common femoral artery; SFA, superficial femoral artery.