American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What does an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) value between 0.91 and 0.99 indicate?

  1. Normal blood flow

  2. Borderline for peripheral artery disease (PAD)

  3. Severe PAD

  4. Normal diagnosis

The correct answer is: Borderline for peripheral artery disease (PAD)

An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) value between 0.91 and 0.99 indicates a borderline state for peripheral artery disease (PAD). The ABI is a valuable non-invasive test used to assess arterial blood flow to the extremities by comparing the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm. In clinical practice, an ABI of 1.0 to 1.4 is typically considered normal, as it signifies adequate blood flow. Values less than 0.90 suggest varying degrees of PAD, with lower values indicating more severe disease. A value between 0.91 and 0.99 falls into a range that suggests early signs of arterial insufficiency, which can place patients at risk for developing PAD. Recognizing the ABI in this borderline range is crucial, as it may warrant further evaluation and management to prevent the progression of the condition and ultimately reduce the risk of complications associated with PAD.