Dopplerography of vessels is a modern diagnostic method that allows to study the state of the vascular bed by means of ultrasound. Other names of this method are duplex scanning of vessels, ultrasound of vessels.
Dopplerography provides complete information on the structure of blood vessels and how blood moves in them. This makes it possible to identify various disorders in the early stages, preventing the development of severe pathologies. In addition to the diagnosis, this method is used to select the method of treatment and evaluate its results.
The procedure is carried out with the help of ultrasound rays, which are used in the usual ultrasound of various organs. However, in this case a special sensor is used that emits and receives ultrasonic waves, functioning on the principle of the Doppler effect. In this case, the technique is absolutely safe and painless and can be performed repeatedly if necessary.
Types and indications of dopplerography of vessels
This study, as a rule, is appointed based on patient complaints and the nature of the course of the disease, which allows one to suspect a vascular pathology. During the procedure, depending on the location of the vessels, sensors with different ultrasound frequencies are used. Consider what symptoms can be assigned to different types of dopplerography.
1. Dopplerography of the vessels of the neck and head:
- headaches, dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- memory impairment;
- sleep disorders;
- blood pressure changes;
- noise in ears;
- "Flies" before the eyes , etc.
2. Ultrasonic dopplerography of the vessels of the lower and upper extremities:
- chilliness of hands, feet;
- swelling of the hands, feet;
- convulsions, numbness of limbs;
- pain when walking;
- loss of muscle strength in the hands;
- change in skin color of extremities, etc.
3. Dopplerography of kidney vessels:
- pain in the lumbar region;
- blood pressure changes;
- the difference in the size of the left and right kidneys;
- polyuria and others.
Transcranial dopplerography of cerebral vessels
Transcranial dopplerography of cerebral vessels is performed with the purpose of revealing lesions of intracranial vessels and various disorders of blood flow in them. This procedure is carried out, mainly, with:
- migraines;
- vegetative vascular dystonia ;
- craniocerebral trauma;
- myocardial infarction;
- stroke and others.
To study the blood flow in the cerebral vessels use certain zones, called ultrasound windows. In these areas, the bones of the skull are thinner, or they have natural openings.
Deciphering the results of dopplerography
With the help of dopplerography, a specialist examines the walls of the vessel, surrounding tissues, the direction and speed of blood flow, the presence of formations that obstruct normal blood flow (plaques, thrombi). In addition, the location and bends of the vessels are checked, and the obtained indicators are compared with the normative ones.
The following main parameters of blood flow are evaluated:
- velocity of blood flow;
- systolic-diastolic ratio - the ratio of the maximum (during systole) and the minimum (during diastole) blood flow velocity;
- pulsation index - the ratio of the difference between the maximum and minimum velocities of the blood flow to the average velocity in the vessel;
- the resistance index is the ratio between the difference in systolic and diastolic velocities and systolic velocity;
- diameter of the vessel.
The informative nature of the method largely depends on the qualification of the specialist who conducts the procedure. It is also important to prepare for the study. So, patients are not recommended to take medicines, drink tea or coffee on the day of examination, smoke for 2 or less hours before the procedure. Before the diagnosis of kidney vessels, a special diet is needed.