Objective To explore the methods of early diagnosis of arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremity (ASOLE). Methods The related literatures on ASOLE detection means adopted clinically were reviewed, and their advantages and disadvantages were compared.Results Asymptomatic ASOLE could be discovered by determination of ankle brachial index (ABI) and toe brachial index (TBI), which was a good index for arterial function assessment of lower extremity. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was more vulnerable and less sensitive than ABI, and therefore more suitable for screening of a large sample. ASI was an index to assess arterial structure and function, and it had a good correlation with PWV. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was a measurement evaluating the function of endothelial cell; Pulse wave measurement was simple, sensitive, and its result was reliable. Color Doppler ultrasonography could localizate the lesion and determine the degree of stenosis at the same time. Multiple-slice CT angiography (MSCTA) was more accurate than color Doppler ultrasonography, but its inherent shortcomings, such as nephrotoxicity of contrast agent, was still need to be resolved. 3D-contrast enhancement magnetic resonance angiography (CEMRA) had little nephrotoxicity, but a combination of other imaging methods was necessary. Microcirculation detections required high consistency of the measurement environment, but they were simple, sensitive and noninvasive, and therefore could be used for screening of ASO. Conclusion Publicity and education of highrisk groups, and reasonable selection of all kinds of detection means, are helpful to improve the early diagnosis of ASOLE.