hemodynamically significant
Arterial stenosis causing measurable reduction in blood flow that produces clinical symptoms or objective evidence of ischemia.
Full Definition
A description applied to vascular lesions that impair blood flow sufficiently to cause physiological compromise downstream. In peripheral arteries, this typically corresponds to >50% diameter stenosis or >75% area stenosis, though clinical correlation is essential. Hemodynamic significance is assessed through various modalities including ankle-brachial index measurements, exercise testing, and invasive pressure gradients. The term distinguishes lesions requiring intervention from incidental stenoses that may be anatomically present but functionally unimportant. Treatment decisions should always incorporate clinical symptoms alongside anatomic severity.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as compound adjective. Distinguish from purely anatomic descriptions.
In Context
- "The 60% stenosis was deemed hemodynamically significant based on the patient's claudication symptoms." — Clinical decision note
- "Despite moderate angiographic narrowing, the lesion was not hemodynamically significant." — Catheterization report