Carotid Duplex Ultrasound:

Carotid Ultrasound with Doppler – This exam uses reflected sound waves to visualize the right and left common carotid arteries from the base of the neck to just above the bifurcation of the internal and external carotid arteries. The vertebral artery (posterior in the neck) is also imaged. The physician evaluates the images to determine the extent of any blockage to these arteries. Doppler is used to show how much blood is flowing to the brain and eyes. The length of this test is 45 minutes. No preparation is needed.

* Symptoms: cervical or carotid bruit, memory loss, cluster type headache, vertigo, aphasia/dysphasia, previous stroke, motor or sensory deficit, syncope, fluctuating confusion, Amaurosis Fugax (transient monocular blindness), unilateral paralysis/weakness, drop attacks, and coronary or peripheral artery disease.

Lower Extremity Arterial Ultrasound:

Lower Extremity Arterial Imaging – This exam evaluates the arterial blood flow from the pelvis to the foot via reflected sound waves. A Cardiologist analyzes the images and Doppler waveforms to determine the location and extent of blockages. This exam takes approximately 45 minutes per leg. No preparation is needed. For best comparative results, both legs should be scanned.

* Arterial Symptoms: claudication, leg pain, rest pain, bruits, gangrene, diabetic neuropathy, skin color changes or ulceration, absent or diminished distal or pedal pulses, distal extremity hair loss, skin or nail infections, hypertension, and extreme weakness or fatigue.

Lower Extremity Venous Ultrasound:

Lower Extremity Venous Imaging – This exam uses sound waves to visualize the veins from the pelvis to the foot. Doppler is used to evaluate blood flow in the veins. The physician views these images to determine the presence of a blood clot or venous abnormality. This exam takes approximately 45 minutes per leg. There is no preparation for this exam. Please specify which leg or both.

* Venous Symptoms: edema, pitting edema, pain, increased limb tenderness, anti-coagulant therapy evaluation, skin discoloration, ulcers, varicose veins and pulmonary embolism.

Upper Extremity Venous or Arterial Ultrasound:

Upper Extremity Venous or Arterial Imaging – These exams use reflected sound waves and Doppler to evaluate the veins or arteries in the arm. A physician indicates which tests are needed. The Upper Extremity Venous visualizes the presence of a blood clot. The Upper Extremity Arterial can determine the severity of an arterial blockage. This testing takes less than one hour. No preparation is needed. (Physician specifes which arm, or both.)

* Venous Symptoms: Edema, pain- tenderness, ulcers

* Arterial Symptoms: arm pain, skin or nail infections, skin color changes or ulceration, absent or diminished pulses, gangrene, numbness and positive Allen's test.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Ultrasound:

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) – This exam uses ultrasound to evaluate the Abdominal Aorta or signs of a potential Aortic Aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms can develop anywhere along the length of the aorta. The majority, however, are located along the abdominal aorta. Most (about 90%) of abdominal aneurysms are located below the level of the renal arteries, the vessels that leave the aorta to go to the kidneys. About two-thirds of abdominal aneurysms are not limited to just the aorta but extend from the aorta into one or both of the iliac arteries.

* Symptoms: Most abdominal aortic aneurysms produce no symptoms (they are asymptomatic). Abdominal aortic aneurysm can remain asymptomatic or produce mild to moderate symptoms for years. However, a rapidly expanding abdominal aneurysm can cause sudden onset of severe, steady, and worsening middle abdominal and back pain

Further Reading

What is Peripheral Vascular Disease? American Heart Association

Warning Signs of
Heart Attack? American Heart Association

Warning Signs of Stroke? American Heart Association

Heart Disease and Stroke? American Heart Association