A Simple Scale for Screening Lower-Extremity Arterial Disease as a Possible Cause of Low Back Pain: a Cross-sectional Study Among 542 Subjects

Epidemiological, imaging, and anatomical studies suggest an association between proximal arterial atherosclerosis and development of low back pain (LBP).

We aimed to define (1) the frequency and (2) factors associated with exercise-induced proximal ischemia (EIPI) in individuals with LBP and (3) develop a clinical screening scale.

Monocentric cross-sectional study.

All patients with history of ongoing LBP referred to our exercise investigation laboratory for exercise transcutaneous oximetry (ex-tcPO₂) between January 2011 and December 2017 (n = 542; mean age, 65.4 ± 10.9; 83.9% men).

EIPI was defined as a decrease from rest of oxygen pressure (DROP) below − 15 mmHg on the lumbar and/or buttock probes. Ex-tcPO₂ is a reliable validated tool for diagnosing EIPI in comparison with arteriography and computed tomography angiography. Ex-tcPO₂ was performed on a treadmill until symptom manifestation or exhaustion. Clinical data were collected using interview questionnaires, medical file review, and clinical examination.

EIPI was diagnosed in 282 patients (52%). Age ≤ 70 years (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.35–3.57; p = 0.002), a history of proximal revascularization (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.50–4.65; p = 0.001), use of antiplatelet medication (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 0.96–3.06; p = 0.069), a relationship between exercise and LBP (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.49–4.57; p = 0.001), and an abnormal ankle to brachial index (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.77–4.66; p < 0.0001) were identified as EIPI predictors. Using these items, we developed a screening scale that showed an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of .756. At a score of ≥ 3, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for EIPI were 84%, 55%, and 71%, respectively.

EIPI was common among our patients with LBP undergoing ex-TcPO₂. Our screening scale could help better select the patients who require angiography.