An ABI of 1.44 typically indicates:

• A. Arterial calcification
• B. Moderate arterial insufficiency
• C. Superior peripheral tissue perfusion
• D. ABI within normal limits

Answer: (A)

An ABI that is higher than the normal upper limit points to noncompressible arteries from calcification rather than truly excellent perfusion. An ABI of 1.44 indicates arterial calcification that stiffens the vessel walls, so the ankle cuff cannot be adequately compressed and the measured ankle pressure reads higher than it actually is. This false elevation is common in patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Because the arteries are noncompressible, the ABI isn’t a reliable measure of blood flow in the leg, and other tests (like toe-brachial index or vascular Doppler studies) are needed to assess perfusion. So this reading best reflects arterial calcification.