Keywords
peripheral arterial disease
lower limb ischemia
vascular imaging
Congo
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction
The epidemiological transition in sub-Saharan Africa has led to an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, including lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, imaging data remain limited in the Congolese context.
Purpose
To describe the CT angiography profile of lower extremity arterial diseases and to analyze the association between arterial anatomical variations and vascular pathologies in an imaging center in Kinshasa.
Methods
This was a retrospective, single-center observational analytical study including 124 CT angiography examinations performed between January 2015 and January 2020. Exhaustive sampling was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Associations were assessed using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p < .05.
Results
The mean age was 60 ± 11 years, with a male predominance. PAD (65.3%) and acute lower limb ischemia (25.8%) were the most frequent conditions. Anatomical variations were most frequent at the iliofemoral level (25.7%). In multivariate analysis, iliofemoral variations were significantly associated with PAD (OR = 11.90; 95% CI [3.23, 39.53]; p < .001) and acute ischemia (OR = 10.29; 95% CI [3.23, 41.79]; p < .001).
Conclusion
Lower extremity arterial diseases in Kinshasa are dominated by PAD and acute ischemia, both significantly associated with arterial anatomical variations. CT angiography is essential for accurate evaluation and therapeutic planning.
References
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