Ultrasound Dopplerography (USDG)
In Doppler ultrasound, ultrasound responds to moving red blood cells in the blood, sending signals to a monitor and giving an idea of the speed and pattern of blood flow. Doppler ultrasound mainly gives an idea of the patency of the veins and the ability to identify their damage and the causes that provoked vascular changes. As a result of the ultrasound examination procedure, a one-dimensional image is obtained.
Advantages of ultrasound scanning
The main advantage of Doppler ultrasound is the availability of the method, since scanning in Doppler mode is much cheaper. Doppler ultrasound also allows us to identify stenoses and their degree, atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots.
What are the advantages of the procedure
There is no alternative to ultrasound in modern medicine; Doppler ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound have both advantages and disadvantages. Modern MRI and CT techniques are not as accessible to ordinary citizens as ultrasound. Each medical institution is equipped with suitable equipment for performing ultrasound. Dopplerography and the duplex scanning process have undeniable advantages:
- 100% safety;
- research in all kinds of projections;
- absence of pain and discomfort;
- soft tissues are visible 100%;
- no incisions or punctures are required to conduct an ultrasound examination;
- there is no radiation hazardous to human health. This allows the examination to be carried out an unlimited number of times without any harm to health.
Good to know: harm and danger of ultrasound diagnostics.
Partial absorption of ultrasound by the fat layer is the main disadvantage of this type of examination. Individual organs are not sufficiently visible due to the strong layering of projections. TCD and ultrasound examination have lower spatial resolution compared to MRI and CT.
This video will help you find out how ultrasound diagnostics of veins is carried out:
Ultrasound duplex scanning (USDS)
Unlike Doppler Doppler Doppler, Doppler Doppler Doppler Doppler Ultrasound
includes not only Doppler ultrasound, but also B-mode, in which veins and arteries are visualized, as well as the condition of nearby tissues. Ultrasound scanning is more informative than Doppler ultrasound, since when it is performed, damage to blood vessels and nearby tissues can be seen, rather than assuming their presence. Based on the results of ultrasound scanning, a two-dimensional color cross-sectional image of the vessels is obtained.
Advantages of ultrasonic testing
The main advantage of ultrasound scanning is its high information content, which allows one to obtain information not only about the patency, but also about the condition of any vessels. This makes it possible to diagnose a wide range of vascular diseases, including parietal thrombotic formations, aneurysms and inflammatory changes in the walls.
#!UZIseredina!#
In what cases is ultrasonography prescribed?
The main indications for duplex scanning are:
- thinning of vascular walls;
- vascular injury;
- phlebeurysm;
- various vascular diseases of the brain and neck;
- atherosclerosis;
- obliterating endarteritis;
- thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
- autoimmune vascular inflammation;
- vertebral artery compression syndrome;
- postthrombophlebitic syndrome;
- diagnostics of blood vessels after surgery;
- cerebral ischemia;
- diabetes;
- intracranial hypertension;
- screening study of various pathological processes that do not have a clinical picture.
The examination is also recommended for the following conditions:
- frequent migraines;
- dizziness;
- hearing and memory impairment;
- obesity.
How are both studies conducted?
These two studies are carried out in specially equipped ultrasound diagnostic rooms. Both procedures are performed with the patient in a supine position; in some cases, functional tests may be necessary. No special preparation is required for duplex scanning or Doppler ultrasound, but you should refrain from drugs and drinks that can change vascular tone. When choosing an ultrasound scan or duplex scanning, it is worth knowing what the difference is in the process of carrying out these procedures.
USDG
The duration of the procedure depends on which organ is being examined. For example, the neck requires 15-20 minutes, while an ultrasound scan of the brain will require about 30 minutes. The peculiarity of performing an ultrasound scan is that this procedure requires the high competence of a sonologist: he applies a Doppler sensor to areas of the body standard for this study to check whether the vessels perform their functions. The sensor moves according to the flow of blood.
UZDS
What is the difference between duplex scanning and ultrasound scanning of blood vessels
, takes this type of research to a different level: in the process, the vessels are clearly visible, which means that the sonologist moves the sensor along a clearly visible trajectory, and not blindly. This allows you to make the research more detailed and informative. The duration of the procedure is no more than half an hour.
Differences between ultrasound and ultrasonography
The differences between these diagnostic methods are much greater than the similarities. To get the big picture, it is necessary to understand what each study reveals.
Doppler ultrasound:
- placement of the sensor blindly, relying on the doctor’s knowledge of the anatomical structure of the vascular system;
- During the diagnosis, the presence of a blood flow disorder is determined;
- a screening examination can only suggest the possible presence of thrombosis or deformation of the venous walls;
- visualizes on the screen an image of valves located only in standard locations, or detected during the movement of the sensor;
- the possibility of examining veins - perforators, only at their typical location.
Duplex scanning:
- During the procedure, the tissues surrounding the vessel are visualized on the monitor screen, this allows for precise installation of the sensor;
- if blood flow is disrupted, it is possible to identify the cause of this condition;
- visualization of any valves, regardless of their location;
- the ability to diagnose vein perforators, regardless of their anatomical location;
- allows you to find the cause of a possible relapse of varicose veins or thrombosis after treatment;
- the ability to determine the stage of thrombosis;
- When performing functional tests, the condition of problem areas of the veins is assessed.
May be of interest:
|
About both methods in general
- Both Dopplerography and duplex scanning are ultrasound diagnostic methods. This means they have several benefits in common. Both methods are absolutely safe for the patient’s health. This is due to the nature of ultrasonic waves, which are absolutely harmless to the human body. Numerous studies and clinical trials have been conducted to prove this.
- Based on the previous fact, the following follows: Dopplerography and duplex can be performed as many times as desired. This is perfect for monitoring the patient’s condition and for regular independent visits to the diagnostic room as health monitoring.
- When carrying out any of the above studies, it is not necessary to make incisions or otherwise disturb the outer skin, that is, they are non-invasive. Thus, ultrasound methods are absolutely painless.
- The use of these methods implies real-time diagnostics, which is undoubtedly a plus, since in most other types of studies, doctors evaluate information from already taken images and cannot always examine how certain structures function.
Ultrasound scanning includes two studies: the Doppler effect and B-mode. B-mode is the process of visualizing the diagnosed vessels, which additionally helps to see the condition of the tissues around it.
As a result of examining the patient, the doctor receives a color cartogram displaying the entire Doppler spectrum. In other words, he sees a transverse image, which makes it possible to determine the patency of veins or arteries.
Duplex image
Unlike the Doppler ultrasound method, this technique helps to identify the causes of poor patency. Ultrasound scanning allows you to diagnose:
- abnormalities of the walls of blood vessels;
- vascular stenosis;
- joints of blood vessels after surgical interventions;
- blood clots in the arteries and veins being examined;
- cholesterol plaques.
The differences between Doppler ultrasound and B-mode are obvious. The Doppler method diagnoses the speed and direction of blood flow, and the B-mode also allows you to visually see any changes in the structure of blood vessels.
Ultrasound using Dopplerography and duplex examination also have common features:
- do not cause any discomfort in patients during the procedure;
- safe for health (used during pregnancy);
- do not use invasive methods;
- Ultrasound reflection is used to image vessels.
The similarities end at these four points, because ultrasound and ultrasonic ultrasound scans have a number of differences.
Carrying out ultrasound examination
Ultrasound Dopplerography (Dopplerography):
- for diagnosis, the doctor installs the device’s sensor almost blindly, analyzing the location of the vessel, based on the general rules of the anatomical structure of the body;
- allows you to visualize only the valves;
- vein screening can only suggest the possibility of pathology in the form of varicose veins;
- determines only the patency of blood vessels;
- can scan the perforating veins that connect the venous collectors of the deep and superficial systems.
Ultrasound with duplex scanning:
- makes it possible to install the device’s sensor in the required location, since all adjacent tissues are displayed on the monitor;
- establishes the exact cause of vascular obstruction;
- visualizes venous valves;
- examines perforating veins anywhere;
- allows you to determine the cause of recurrence of varicose veins;
- can determine the stage of thrombosis.
All these parameters should be taken into account, since the information content and accuracy of the methods differ significantly.
- is highly informative;
- does not require the use of ionizing radiation;
- a cheaper and more accessible research method than alternative ones;
- carried out in real time, does not require waiting for a conclusion;
- helps to reflect the condition of soft tissues that are not sufficiently visualized on x-rays;
- non-invasive, performed without contrast (to which allergies are sometimes found), does not bring any unpleasant sensations;
- Suitable for children and pregnant women.
Any method, along with positive ones, also has negative sides, and in some cases it makes sense to choose other types of research. The decision is made by the doctor on an individual basis, after evaluating the results of other diagnostic procedures and tests, examination, and questioning of the patient.
- difficulty in examining small vessels;
- the possibility of diagnosis only during the research process, and not after it based on the results;
- narrow area to be examined because the bones of the adult skull impede the passage of ultrasound.
An important role in the quality of the diagnostics performed is played by the level of equipment and the professionalism of the doctor. This is one of the diagnostic methods to which increased demands are placed on the professionalism of doctors, so you should choose a clinic for duplex scanning especially carefully, because the result can differ significantly.
What is usually revealed during the study
Duplex affects mainly extracranial vessels, and to a lesser extent intracranial ones. The doctor pays special attention to the following vessels of the neck - the common carotid arteries (and bifurcation areas), the extracranial part of the carotid arteries, part of the brachiocephalic trunk, external carotid arteries, veins next to the skull, venous vertebral plexus, temporal arteries, etc.
For transcranial duplex scanning, do an ultrasound taking into account access through the cranial bones - they suppress a large number of ultrasonic waves. Access is through natural openings - the greater occipital, temporal bones, and orbits. An ultrasound scan of a baby's brain can be performed through the fontanelles - they provide a significant overview and help to collect more information. During this type of duplex scanning, the carotid and vertebral arteries inside the skull, the basilar and cerebral arteries are examined.
Duplex scanning is a method that detects a wide range of pathologies of the arteries and veins in the head and neck. If the diagnosis is already known, the doctor is able to monitor the patient’s condition (after surgery, stroke, head and neck injuries).
In patients with pathologies, ultrasound of the head and neck reveals:
- atherosclerosis;
- arteriovenous malformation of the brain;
- compression of blood vessels by neoplasms;
- diseases of the central nervous system;
- blood clots;
- endarteritis;
- stenosis and expansion;
- aneurysms;
- plaques in people with high cholesterol in tests
- bends, loops.
Atherosclerosis can be suspected if you are overweight, have high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in tests, or have a predisposing heredity. Endarteritis has autoimmune causes, in which the artery wall is damaged, and the damage is visible on the screen. Aneurysms are detected for the first time (with characteristic patient complaints) or confirmed if they were already noticed on a previous ultrasound, CT scan or angiography. On the duplex, they look like thinned and stretched walls of arteries (less often veins), protruding outward.
Where can I do an ultrasound scan?
Duplex scanning is carried out on the direction of the attending physician in neurological departments in hospitals.
If the outpatient department at your place of residence has the necessary equipment, then you can be examined there.
In addition, there are many medical and diagnostic centers offering a whole range of diagnostic procedures.
A preventive examination will help prevent serious illnesses. Thus, it is possible to promptly detect and prevent arterial embolism, stroke, and complications after operations.
Why is ultrasound ultrasound used to study blood vessels?
In order to understand why Doppler ultrasound is used to diagnose arteries, veins and blood flow, you need to understand what ultrasound Doppler ultrasound is? And also how it differs from a regular ultrasound.
Standard ultrasound diagnostics makes it possible to assess the condition of tissues of the human body that are in a state of relative rest. And ultrasound with Doppler sonography is done if you need to analyze the characteristics of moving objects - blood cells and blood flow in general.