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Doppler ultrasonography of an extremity

Overview Risks Results

Doppler ultrasound exam of an arm or leg

Normal Values: The vessels show no evidence of narrowing or closure. The arteries have normal systolic and diastolic components. Blood pressure is normal. The ankle-to-brachial arterial blood pressure index (comparison of the pressure at the ankle to that of the brachial artery in the arm) 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 blood clot, a fat globule, or an air bubble) Additional conditions under which Doppler ultrasound may be performed include the following: Aortic dissection Arteriosclerosis of the extremities Coarctation of the aorta Deep venous thrombosis Stroke secondary to carotid stenosis Superficial thrombophlebitis SVC obstruction Thromboangiitis obliterans Vascular tumors of the extremities

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