Arterial ultrasound (Doppler examination)

Arterial ultrasound, often referred to as Doppler or duplex artery examination, is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows the physician to

1. Assess arterial patency
   Ultrasound can determine whether blood flow in the arteries is smooth, slowed, or blocked. This helps detect early issues such as:
   Vessel narrowing (stenosis) caused by atherosclerosis
   Vessel blockage (occlusion) due to blood clots or long-term vascular damage
   This is especially important for patients experiencing leg pain while walking, cold extremities, or after a stroke.
2. Evaluate the risk of vascular diseases
   Examination of arteries, particularly the carotid arteries, helps prevent:
   Stroke (cerebrovascular accident, CVA) – by detecting narrowing or unstable atherosclerotic plaques early
   Heart disease – as the condition of the arteries can reflect overall vascular health
3.  Monitor known vascular conditions
   Patients with diagnosed vascular disease can use ultrasound for:
   Regular monitoring of arterial status (e.g., after bypass surgery, stent placement, or angioplasty)
   Tracking aneurysms, such as in the abdominal aorta, where annual ultrasound follow-up is important
4. Detect acute or impending complications
   Ultrasound can immediately reveal dangerous conditions, such as:
   Blood clots in limb arteries
   Acute arterial occlusion, which may lead to limb loss or organ ischemia
   Impaired blood flow to the brain, which may cause dizziness or vision problems
5. Plan appropriate treatment
   Ultrasound results provide the physician with detailed information on:
   The extent of vascular involvement
   Whether conservative treatment is sufficient or if an intervention is needed (e.g., stent placement or surgery)

This method allows treatment to be better targeted, personalized, and monitored for effectiveness.
 
 

Arterial ultrasound is non-invasive, painless, and performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure is quick, gentle, and does not involve any body interventions. It typically includes the following areas:

1. Neck arteries (carotid and vertebral arteries)

• Prevention and early detection of stroke
• Assessment of atherosclerotic plaques and arterial patency

2. Lower limb arteries

• Evaluation for leg pain while walking (claudication), cold feet, or paleness
• Examination for suspected peripheral artery disease (PAD)

3. Upper limb arteries

• Assessment for cold fingers, weak pulse, or tingling

4. Abdominal aorta

• Early detection of aneurysms, often before symptoms appear

• High blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
• Smoking or a positive family history of vascular disease
• Dizziness, ringing in the ears, or vision problems
• Cold, painful, or pale extremities
• Calf pain while walking that eases with rest
• Suspicion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Although both examinations use ultrasound (sonography) and may look similar, they assess different parts of the vascular system and are used to detect different issues.

Arterial Ultrasound
What are arteries?
Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain, limbs, and organs.

Purpose of the examination:

• Detect narrowing or blockage of arteries (e.g., due to atherosclerosis)
• Assess blood flow and arterial wall condition
• Identify aneurysms
• Help prevent stroke or limb amputation

Typical symptoms:

• Leg pain when walking (claudication)
• Cold, pale fingers or toes
• Dizziness, vision problems
• Weak pulse

Venous Ultrasound

What are veins?
Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart and contain valves that prevent backward blood flow.

Purpose of the examination:

• Detect blood clots (thrombosis)

• Assess venous valve function

• Diagnose venous insufficiency and varicose veins

• Examine limb swelling

Typical symptoms:

• Leg swelling, calf pain
• Varicose veins, heavy or tired legs
• Skin discoloration or hardening
• Leg ulcers