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Doppler ultrasound exam of an arm or leg

Peripheral vascular disease - Doppler; PVD - Doppler; PAD - Doppler; Blockage of leg arteries - Doppler; Intermittent claudication - Doppler; Arterial insufficiency of the legs - Doppler; Leg pain and cramping - Doppler; Calf pain - Doppler

 

This test uses ultrasound to look at the blood flow in the large arteries and veins in the arms and legs.

How the Test is Performed

 

The test is done in the ultrasound or radiology department or in a peripheral vascular lab.

During the exam:

  • A water-soluble gel is placed on a handheld device called a transducer. This device directs high-frequency sound waves to the artery or veins being tested.
  • Blood pressure cuffs may be put around different parts of the body, including the thigh, calf, ankle, and different points along the arm.
  • A paste is applied to the skin over the arteries being examined. Images are created as the transducer is moved over each area.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

You will need to remove clothes from the arm or leg being examined.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

Sometimes the person performing the test will need to press on the vein to make sure it does not have a clot. Some people may feel slight pain.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

This test is done as the first step to look at arteries and veins. Sometimes arteriography and venography may be needed later. The test is done to help diagnose:

  • Arteriosclerosis of the arms or legs
  • Blood clot (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Venous insufficiency

The test may also be used to:

  • Look at injury to the arteries
  • Monitor arterial reconstruction and bypass grafts

 

Normal Results

 

A normal result means the blood vessels show no signs of narrowing, clots, or closure, and the arteries have normal blood flow.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Abnormal results may be due to:

  • Blockage in an artery by a blood clot
  • Blood clot in a vein (DVT)
  • Narrowing or widening of an artery
  • Spastic arterial disease (arterial contractions brought on by cold or emotion)
  • Venous occlusion (closing of a vein)
  • Venous reflux (blood flow going the wrong direction in veins)
  • Arterial occlusion from atherosclerosis

This test may also be done to help assess the following conditions:

  • Arteriosclerosis of the extremities
  • Deep venous thrombosis
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis

 

Risks

 

There are no risks from this procedure.

 

Considerations

 

Cigarette smoking may alter the results of this test. Nicotine can cause the arteries in the extremities to constrict.

Quitting smoking lowers the risk of problems with the heart and circulatory system. Most smoking-related deaths are caused by cardiovascular problems, not lung cancer.

 

 

Open References

References

Cosgrove DO, Eckersley RJ, Harvey CJ, Lim A. Ultrasound. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging . 6th ed. New York, NY: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2015:chap 3.

Creager MA, Libby P. Peripheral artery diseases. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 58.

Rooke TW, Hirsch AT, Misra S, et al. Management of patients with peripheral artery disease (compilation of 2005 and 2011 ACCF/AHA Guideline Recommendations): a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2013;61(14):1555-1570. PMID: 23473760 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23473760 .

 
  • Doppler ultrasonography of an extremity

    Doppler ultrasonography of an extremity - illustration

    Doppler ultrasonography examines the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the arms and legs with the use of ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves that echo off the body). It may help diagnose a blood clot, venous insufficiency, arterial occlusion (closing), abnormalities in arterial blood flow caused by a narrowing, or trauma to the arteries.

    Doppler ultrasonography of an extremity

    illustration

    • Doppler ultrasonography of an extremity

      Doppler ultrasonography of an extremity - illustration

      Doppler ultrasonography examines the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the arms and legs with the use of ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves that echo off the body). It may help diagnose a blood clot, venous insufficiency, arterial occlusion (closing), abnormalities in arterial blood flow caused by a narrowing, or trauma to the arteries.

      Doppler ultrasonography of an extremity

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Self Care

     

      Tests for Doppler ultrasound exam of an arm or leg

       
       

      Review Date: 4/2/2015

      Reviewed By: Jason Levy, MD, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, GA. Internal review and update on 07/24/2016 by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

      The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

       
       
       

       

       

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