What is a Doppler (duplex) scan?
Doppler is a diagnostic technique that uses ultrasound waves to assess blood flow through blood vessels (arteries and veins). During the examination, images of the blood vessels are obtained, the direction and speed of blood flow is recorded and possible blockages are identified. This allows you to judge the changes caused by diseases and the functional state of your blood vessels. Doppler helps diagnose various congenital and acquired abnormalities of the vascular system: vasoconstriction (stenosis), vasodilation (aneurysm) and arterial blockages, as well as atypical bulges, atherosclerotic arteries, varicose veins, venous blood flow disorders, venous thrombosis, etc.
Dopplerography is often used as an adjunctive method to echocardiography.
Dopplerography is used for both diagnosis and to assess the effectiveness of prescribed therapy. Doppler surgery can also be performed as a preventive measure, for example if you are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. It does not require a special referral from a doctor.
This method investigates:
- blood vessels of the head (transcranial) and neck (brachiocephalic);
- blood vessels in the legs and arms;
- main (abdominal aorta, renal arteries, iliac arteries and veins) blood vessels.
Service process
01
How to prepare for a Doppler test?
02
How is the Doppler test performed?
03
Receipt of results
When should I have a Doppler test?
Doppler imaging is used to diagnose various congenital and acquired vascular diseases and symptoms. Usually, the doctor or specialist will order an examination to obtain more information or to confirm the diagnosis.
Heads (transcranial) and neck (brachiocephalic) vascular Doppler should be performed if you have:
- prolonged headaches or dizziness;
- pain in the cervical spine (tingling, stabbing, pulling sensation in the occiput);
- Noises in your head or ears;
- heart rhythm disturbances or palpitations;
- high blood pressure;
- loss of consciousness;
- cholesterol metabolism disorders;
- diabetes
- micro stroke (transient ischaemic attack),
as well as
- after a head or neck injury;
- after a stroke.
Dopplerography of blood vessels in the legs and arms should be performed if you have:
- pain in the muscles of the arms and/or legs, especially during movement or exercise;
- swelling in the muscles of the arms and/or legs or weakness (tiredness);
- muscle tingling;
- varicose veins (wrinkled, enlarged veins);
- skin discolouration;
- chronic oedema;
- diabetes
- unexplained stiffness, discomfort or other changes in the arm and/or leg.
Trunk (abdominal aorta, renal arteries, iliac arteries and veins) Vascular Doppler yesperformed if you have:
- rash or enlargement of veins in the abdomen;
- prolonged stomach pain;
- indigestion;
- fluid build-up in the abdomen (ascites);
- prolonged nausea and vomiting;
- blood in the urine;
- rapid weight loss;
- Acorns,
and after abdominal surgery.
