Peripheral Vascular disease (PVD) involves narrowing of the blood vessels outside the heart and brain i.e. peripheral arteries and veins.PVD if it relates to blockage of arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms, and legs become completely or partially blocked which is due to atherosclerosis then it is called as Peripheral Arterial disease(PAD). The major causes are blood clots, inflammation, and blockage of blood vessels.

The imaging modalities that are preferred for the diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease are digital subtraction angiography (DSA), duplex ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Angiography(MRA),Computed Tomography Angiography(CTA). Digital Subtraction Arteriography provides a complete arterial map of the lower limb circulation but is not used as primary imaging modality for patients with peripheral arterial disease as there is a risk of nephrotoxicity from iodinated contrast and this is increased in elderlypatients, infants, and those with pre-existing renal impairment. Duplex scanning combines both B-mode ultrasound and colour doppler ultrasound to identify significant lesions from aorta to feet.MRA is accurate for detecting significant stenoses and that it is cost effective in comparison to DSA. Magnetic resonance angiography, in comparison with DSA and CTA, eliminates exposure to ionising radiation and there is no risk of contrast nephropathy good for assessment of acute arterial trauma.CTA shows same risk of an allergic reaction to contrast, nephrotoxicity and exposure to ionising radiation as for DSA.