BMJ publishes HTA-funded review

News release from the National Coordinating Centre for Health Technology Assessment

19 June 2007

HTA-funded research published in the BMJ on the 4 June 2007 has reviewed the effectiveness of different diagnostic tests for lower limb peripheral arterial disease. Lower limb peripheral arterial disease is the narrowing of arteries of the leg, which can cause problems such as pain when walking and resting, ulceration and gangrene. It is thought that one in five people over the age of 65 are affected by the disease.

Researchers, led by Dr Marie Westwood of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York , investigated the diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography, and computed tomography angiography, for lower limb peripheral arterial disease. They found that contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography was the most effective method for diagnosis of the disease. They also found that it was generally preferred by patients, and could be a viable alternative to contrast angiography.

To view full details about the project visit http://www.hta.ac.uk/project/1394.asp and to view the BMJ article visit http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/bmj.39217.473275.55v1?ct

Notes for editors


  1. The HTA programme is a programme of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and produces high quality research information about the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage and provide care in the NHS. It is the largest of the NIHR programmes and publishes the results of its research in the Health Technology Assessment journal, with more than 400 issues published to date. The journal’s 2007 Impact Factor (3.87) ranked it in the top 10 per cent of medical and health-related journals. All issues are available for download free of charge from the website, www.hta.ac.uk The HTA programme is coordinated by the National Coordinating Centre for Health Technology Assessment (NCCHTA), based at the University of Southampton.
  2. The National Institute for Health Research provides the framework through which the research staff and research infrastructure of the NHS in England is positioned, maintained and managed as a national research facility.  The NIHR provides the NHS with the support and infrastructure it needs to conduct first-class research funded by the Government and its partners alongside high-quality patient care, education and training.  Its aim is to support outstanding individuals (both leaders and collaborators), working in world class facilities (both NHS and university), conducting leading edge research focused on the needs of patients. www.nihr.ac.uk

Contact details

Naomi Stockley, Programme Manager (Communications)
Telephone: 02380 595 646, Email: ns5@soton.ac.uk

Helen Nikandrou, Assistant Programme Manager (Communications)
Telephone: 02380 595 584, Email: h.nikandrou@soton.ac.uk

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