angiologie

Angiology is the medical discipline focused on the study and treatment of diseases of the vascular system, including arteries, veins, capillaries, and the lymphatic network. It encompasses the diagnosis, prevention, and management of disorders affecting the vessels and their hemodynamics, such as atherosclerosis, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and lymphedema. The field emphasizes both arterial and venous circulation and, in many contexts, lymphatic disorders.

Diagnostic methods include comprehensive physical examination and noninvasive imaging such as duplex ultrasonography, ankle–brachial index measurement, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography; invasive angiography may be used when needed. Laboratory tests support risk assessment and management, including lipid profiles and markers of inflammation and thrombosis.

Therapeutic approaches range from lifestyle modification and medical therapy (antihypertensives, lipid-lowering drugs, antiplatelets, anticoagulants) to interventional procedures and surgery. Endovascular techniques like angioplasty and stenting, venous ablation, and bypass surgery are common interventions. Management often involves a multidisciplinary team including interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, internists, and endocrinologists.

Education and practice vary by country; angiology may be taught as a subspecialty within internal medicine or surgery, or referred to as vascular medicine or phlebology in some systems. The term derives from Greek angeion (vessel) and -logia (study).