How is arteriosclerosis obliterans diagnosed?

Arteriosclerosis obliterans is diagnosed with a physical exam and testing. Your doctor might be able to see some of the symptoms of arteriosclerosis obliterans during your physical exam. You may have ischemic ulcers (unhealed sores) and other evidence of poor circulation in the legs.

If your doctor suspects arteriosclerosis obliterans, he may perform an ankle-brachial index, or ABI. This test compares the blood pressure in your arms to the blood pressure in your legs, to test for narrow or blocked arteries in the legs.

An ultrasound can determine the extent of the damage to your arteries, and your doctor may check for high blood cholesterol or diabetes.

An angiography is a test in which injected dye makes the flow of your blood visible on X-rays images. This can help your doctor see your blood flow. Other types of angiography include magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computerized tomography angiography (CTA), and catheter angiography, in which the dye is injected directly into the damaged artery via catheter.