Duplex/doppler ultrasound exam of extremity

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Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Duplex/doppler ultrasound test

Overview

Risks

Results

Duplex/doppler ultrasound exam of extremity

Alternative Names:

Vascular ultrasound

Normal Values:

The veins show normal flow, and the deep veins show flow that varies with breathing. The veins should be fully compressible and have no internal clots.

The arteries have normal systolic and diastolic components on the ultrasound, which correspond to the beating and resting of the heart. There is normal blood pressure and no sign of a narrowing or closure. The normal ankle-to-brachial arterial blood pressure index (ratio of systolic blood pressures) is 0.85 or greater.

What abnormal results mean:

In the veins:
- Venous occlusion (closing of vein)
- Blood clots
In the arteries:
- Arterial occlusive disease
- Spastic arterial disease (arterial contractions brought on by cold or emotion)
- Embolic arterial occlusion (obstruction in the artery by a body such as a blood clot, fat globules, or air bubbles.)

Review Date: 5/3/2006
Reviewed By: Neil Grossman, MD, MetroWest Radiology Associates, Framingham, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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