Photoplethysmography, an easy and accurate method for measuring ankle brachial pressure index: can photoplethysmography replace Doppler?

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2009 Dec;43(6):578-82. doi: 10.1177/1538574409334829. Epub 2009 Jul 29.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the accuracy of ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) assessed by photoplethysmography (PPG) compared with continuous wave Doppler (CW-Doppler).

Methods: Ankle brachial pressure index was measured in a standard manner using both PPG and Doppler probes. For PPG-ABPI, a PPG probe was placed on the index finger and great toe, and a microcomputer determined the ABPI. These values were compared with the ABPI measured manually using an 8-MHz Doppler probe. Correlation and agreement between PPG and Doppler ABPI were assessed by Lin's correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots.

Results: In all, 133 claudicants were assessed. There was a strong correlation between the 2 ABPI methods (beta = .79 and 95% limits of agreement of -0.23 to 0.24).

Conclusion: Measuring ABPI automatically using the PPG technique is an effective alternative for Doppler ABPI. PPG-ABPI is completely objective, fast, and accurate.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ankle / blood supply*
  • Blood Pressure Determination / instrumentation
  • Blood Pressure Determination / methods*
  • Blood Pressure*
  • Brachial Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brachial Artery / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intermittent Claudication / diagnosis*
  • Intermittent Claudication / diagnostic imaging
  • Intermittent Claudication / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Microcomputers
  • Middle Aged
  • Photoplethysmography* / instrumentation
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler*