This trial by Gahier et al. is a monocentric cross-sectional study in which authors studied the frequency and factors associated with exercise-induced peripheral ischemia (EIPI) in individuals with low back pain (LBP) and developed a screening scale that could help better select people requiring angiography.1

The study subjects were patients with ongoing LBP who were referred to an exercise investigation laboratory for exercise transcutaneous oximetry (ex-tcPO2). The study group turned out to be predominantly men with a mean age of 65 years. Authors defined EIPI as oxygen pressure below − 15 mmHg on the lumbar and/or buttock probes while exercising as compared with rest. Test was performed on a treadmill until symptom manifestation or exhaustion. It should be kept in mind that previous studies have established ex-tcPO2 as a reliable validated tool for diagnosing EIPI in comparison with arteriography and computed tomography angiography. 2,3

Factors identified as EIPI predictors were age ≤ 70 years, a history of proximal revascularization, use of antiplatelet medication, a relationship between exercise and LBP, and an abnormal ankle to brachial index. Using these items, a screening scale was developed. It was concluded that at a score of ≥ 3, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for EIPI were 84%, 55%, and 71%, respectively. One of the EIPI predictors, age less than 70 years was surprising and counter-intuitive. The author’s explanation is that aging is associated with higher prevalence of comorbidities such as osteoarthritis that may become the main causes of low back pain superseding vascular reasons. One main limitation of the study was not including follow-up assessments, so no conclusions can be drawn on treatment efficacy, which could be done in future studies.

Clinicians can benefit from this study by using the screening tool to find more patients who can benefit from angiography and further revascularization. Total 17 patients went for revascularization in the study and their walking distances improved. As per authors, even when revascularization was not possible, the fact that the patients had a vascular origin of pain can be useful knowledge for the treating physician.