Doppler of the legs

Doppler sonography is used particularly frequently to examine the blood vessels in the legs. In principle, a distinction can be made between an examination of the arteries and an examination of the veins. A possible weakness of the veins can be detected or excluded by Doppler sonography.

Deep vein thrombosis (blockage of the blood vessel by a blood clot) can also be better detected or ruled out with the Doppler procedure than with conventional ultrasound alone. When examining the arteries, the question of possible calcification of the vessels responsible for peripheral arterial occlusive disease or window dressing is investigated. This disease, which occurs particularly in smokers, causes pain in the legs when walking and a reduction in the walking distance to be covered.

Doppler of the carotid artery

The examination of the carotid artery by Doppler sonography is performed when a narrowing of the vessel is suspected. A narrowed carotid artery can lead to various symptoms or consequences. The most serious is usually a stroke, so that after such a stroke, Doppler sonography of the carotid arteries is one of the necessary examinations.

A temporary loss of vision in one eye or sensations in an arm or leg can also be caused by narrowed neck vessels. But also complaints such as dizziness, memory loss, ringing in the ears can justify an examination of the carotid arteries using Doppler sonography and this diagnostic method can help to find the cause if necessary. Likewise, after a carotid artery operation, Doppler ultrasound should be used for follow-up examinations during the course of the operation.

Doppler in pregnancy

During pregnancy, Doppler sonography is an established method for measuring the blood flow velocity of the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. This examination can usually be performed after the 20th week of pregnancy. Doppler sonography can also be used to display the blood flow between the child and the placenta.

This makes it possible to estimate how well the child’s organs are supplied with blood. However, Doppler sonography is not part of the routine measures of prenatal care; it is only appropriate in certain cases.The examination is performed, for example, in high-risk pregnancies. This is the case for pregnant women with high blood pressure, smokers, women over 45 years of age and multiple pregnancies. Doppler sonography can also be useful if the regular ultrasound examination reveals abnormalities (for example, if the child is remarkably small according to its developmental stage). The examination is harmless to both the child and the mother.