Color duplex Doppler ultrasonography of the lower extremity arteries, bilateral

Bilateral Color Duplex Doppler Ultrasonography of the Lower Extremity Arteries is a modern ultrasound diagnostic method used to evaluate the condition of the lower extremity arteries, their patency, vessel wall structure, and blood flow characteristics.

The examination combines B-mode ultrasound imaging with color Doppler mapping, allowing the detection of atherosclerotic changes, stenoses, occlusions, thrombosis, aneurysms, and other vascular abnormalities, as well as assessment of blood flow direction and velocity.

The method is widely used for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease, assessing the severity of impaired blood supply to the lower extremities, and monitoring treatment effectiveness.

Indications

• leg pain during walking or at rest;
• intermittent claudication;
• sensation of cold feet or lower legs;
• numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities;
• changes in skin color of the legs;
• slow-healing wounds or trophic ulcers;
• suspected atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries;
• diabetes mellitus;
• arterial hypertension;
• elevated cholesterol levels;
• smoking and other cardiovascular risk factors;
• follow-up after vascular surgery or endovascular procedures;
• preventive examination as recommended by a physician.

Examination Method

The examination is performed using color duplex ultrasound scanning with Doppler technology.

During the examination, the physician evaluates arterial patency, vessel wall thickness, the presence of atherosclerotic plaques, the degree of stenosis or occlusion, as well as the direction and velocity of blood flow.

Procedure / Duration

The examination is performed with the patient lying on their back. A special ultrasound gel is applied to the skin of the lower extremities, after which the physician systematically examines the arteries of both legs using an ultrasound transducer.

The procedure is painless, non-invasive, and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.

The average examination time is 30–40 minutes.

Limitations

The method has no absolute contraindications.

Image quality may be limited in cases of severe edema, open wounds, bulky dressings in the examination area, or marked vascular wall calcification that may interfere with ultrasound visualization.

Advantages

• comprehensive evaluation of the arteries of both lower extremities;
• early detection of atherosclerotic changes;
• determination of the location and severity of stenosis or occlusion;
• real-time assessment of blood flow direction and velocity;
• safe procedure with no radiation exposure;
• painless and non-invasive;
• suitable for follow-up examinations and monitoring treatment effectiveness.

Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/doppler-ultrasound/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570577/
https://www.portailvasculaire.fr/sites/default/files/docs/2019_esvm_aomi_recommandations.pdf
https://esvs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PAD-2024-Guidelines.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576430/