Can augmentation index be used as an accurate tool in the diagnosis of peripheral obstructive arterial disease?

Background: The use of radial augmentation index (rAI) as an indicator of vascular disease was investigated in the vascular imaging laboratory in a regional hospital. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a correlation exists between ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) and rAI in normal subjects, patients with peripheral obstructive arterial disease, and diabetic patients. Methods: A group of 46 patients and 14 controls had ABPI and rAI measured and factors affecting AI were assessed. Results: rAI was found to have a negative correlation with ABPI (Spearman's p = -0.513, p<0.01). There was significant increase in the rAI scores of diabetic patients compared to normal patients (normal median was 64% lower than diabetic median, p <0.01) and in peripheral obstructive vascular disease patients compared to normal (normal median 69% lower, p < 0.001). Of the various affecting factors, age stood out with rAI having a positive correlation to age (Spearman's p = 0.68, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The augmentation index appears be a significant indicator of cardiovascular disease and may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of vascular pathology.