The essence of ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities (ultrasound of the vessels of the legs) is that with the help of a special apparatus for diagnostics, ultrasonic waves are purposefully sent into the circulatory system of the legs, after which the sensor catches the reflected waves, displaying images on the monitor. This type of ultrasound is performed with the Doppler effect, which allows you to get a picture of the state of the vessels, their movement and patency.
The price of ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities - ultrasound of the vessels of the legs in Moscow
The advantage of the procedure is its accuracy, painlessness, as well as availability and absence of contraindications. Due to the fact that the procedure does not have a negative effect on the body, this diagnosis is prescribed for children and pregnant women. Ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities provides a lot of advantages for specialists who are able to carry out modern detection of various neoplasms in soft tissues.
Indications for ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities
An ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities is recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus, in preoperative studies, as well as in order to identify a number of diseases:
- thromboangiitis;
- development of disorders caused by the presence of blood clots;
- atherosclerosis,
- valvular vascular insufficiency,
- identification of varicose veins.
An ultrasound of the legs is indicated if the following symptoms are present:
- expansion of the saphenous veins,
- tingling in the legs
- cold toes
- the occurrence of spider veins,
- swelling, numbness and cramps in the limbs,
- leg pains resulting from prolonged exertion,
- preoperative diagnostics.
Indicators of ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities (ultrasound of the lower extremities - normal)
The vessels of the lower extremities normally have the following characteristics:
- the contours are clear and even,
- femoral artery wall thickness - 0.11 cm,
- passages of blood objects are clearly visible,
- vessels are hypoechoic,
- the structure is homogeneous.
Preparation for ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities (legs)
This diagnosis does not require any special preparation. There is no need to limit food and drink, which allows you to go through the procedure at any time of the day. If the patient is taking drugs that change the vascular tone or pressure, then it is worth informing the doctor about this, since such drugs can change the diameter of the vessels, thereby complicating the correct diagnosis and diagnosis.
Ultrasound examination of the arteries of the lower extremities
The study area starts from the groin and ends in the area of the feet, since the ultrasound effect extends to the following arteries:
- iliac,
- femoral,
- popliteal,
- tibial,
- fibular,
- arteries of the foot.
The larger the artery, the higher the blood flow velocity in it, which means that for the most accurate visualization it is necessary to use low frequency sensors. So, for the aorta and iliac arteries, sensors with a frequency of 3.5 MHz are used, for the femoral one - 5 MHz, and for studying other arteries - 7-10 MHz.
The procedure begins with the patient lying down or sitting on a couch. The doctor treats the surface of the legs with a special gel, which is applied for the best conduction of the sensor, and is removed after the procedure is completed. Scanning is carried out with different positions and various manipulations of the examined person, for example, it may be necessary to tie a tourniquet on the lower leg or raise and bend the legs. To study the iliac and femoral arteries, the patient must be in a supine position with the knees slightly bent and bent to the sides. To study the popliteal arteries, you need to lie on your stomach, and, straightening your legs, rests your feet on the couch. The study of the tibial, peroneal and foot arteries is carried out lying on the back, while the legs should be bent at the knees at right angles and slightly set aside. The diagnosis is complete when the doctor checks the results and completes the protocol.
The fastest way to cope with such pathologies as atherosclerosis or the presence of plaques in the vessels that impede normal blood flow is possible due to their early detection using ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities. Today, foot ultrasound in Moscow is in high demand and has many advantages over other methods: availability, absence of radiation exposure, viewing and evaluation of images of internal tissues and organs in real time. In our medical center, you can undergo ultrasound diagnostics of the arteries of the lower extremities in absolutely comfortable conditions, because this method has practically no restrictions.
Ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities is an affordable and effective diagnosis of the condition of the venous system of the legs using ultrasound. Correct ultrasound diagnostics is a key factor in the treatment of various abnormalities, detecting them even in the early stages of development.
There are several types of ultrasound examinations:
Angioscanning
This method is carried out due to the reflection of ultrasound from tissues, displayed on the monitor of the apparatus as an image. Allows you to identify abnormalities in the tissue structure of the legs, bends, blood clots and seals.
Doppler scan
Doppler scanning allows you to visualize blood flow passing in the vessels of the extremities, as well as obtain information about its speed and direction of movement. Detects the presence of deep vein thrombosis
Duplex sonography
Ultrasound of the vessels of the legs in Moscow (studies of the lower extremities) includes the technique of angioscanning and Doppler scanning. Duplex sonography detects any disorders of the venous system.
Being a modern and affordable method, ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities is widely used among different groups of people:
- pregnant women,
- overweight
- often lifting weights
- constantly working on their feet,
- women preferring high-heeled shoes.
- weakened pulse on palpation of the legs,
- swelling of the legs in the evening,
- the presence of varicose veins,
- hereditary predisposition to vascular diseases of the legs,
- the presence of cosmetic defects (vascular networks, enlarged veins, bruises),
- sudden muscle spasms
- decreased sensitivity in the legs,
- chilliness and chills in the legs.
Also, the reason for conducting ultrasound of the vessels of the legs is a number of diseases:
- diabetes,
- atherosclerosis,
- arterial hypertension,
- insufficiency of venous circulation,
- intermittent claudication.
Venous insufficiency leads to impaired blood circulation, as well as to its stagnation in the vessels. Often, patients are referred for ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities after other examinations, since this rather serious disease does not have pronounced subjective symptoms.
Often, ultrasound is prescribed when pathologies are detected after the following examinations:
- functional tests for venous insufficiency,
- radiography of the lungs and heart,
- Ultrasound of the heart,
- Coagulogram indicators (blood clotting test),
- Coronary angiography.
Timely study of the venous bed using ultrasound allows you to identify various abnormalities in the early stages, which significantly speeds up the course of treatment.
Contraindications to ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities
Ultrasound is an affordable and fairly accurate method for diagnosing pathologies or a way to assess the dynamics of the course of a patient's disease, but like any other method, it has limitations in its conduct. The restrictions include those conditions or reactions of the body in which the result of the procedure will be uninformative:
- mental disorders
- serious condition of the patient,
- violation of the integrity of the skin,
- burns,
- infectious processes,
- serious condition of the patient (myocardial infarction, heart rhythm disturbance, cerebrovascular accident).
The presence of such conditions limits the patient in all diagnostic examinations. In some cases, the patient may feel discomfort associated with the duration of the procedure, during which the patient is constantly in a horizontal position. It should be borne in mind that the restrictions are temporary, their elimination makes the ultrasound procedure safe and informative.
During the procedure, the doctor receives a clear image of the vessels in real time, and also allows you to evaluate the following parameters:
- blood flow assessment,
- measurement of blood flow parameters,
- installation of localization and size of a thrombus,
- see venous insufficiency of the venous valve apparatus,
- determination of the size of the lumen of the veins and the presence of constrictions at different levels.
During the study, the doctor compares each vein in the left and right leg, checks for the presence of blood clots, and when detected, examines their size, size, mobility, and also assesses the state of blood flow and the state of the venous valves.
Preparation for ultrasound of the vessels of the legs
In order to do an ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities, special preparation is not required, which allows the study to be carried out at any time convenient for the patient. There is no need to limit yourself to any foods or drinks. To exclude possible difficulties in making a diagnosis and conducting a diagnosis, the patient must inform the doctor about the drugs he is taking.
Ultrasound examination of the veins of the lower extremities
Ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities is a modern non-invasive method (the skin is not exposed using needles or surgical instruments), does not carry radiation exposure, which can be repeated many times for one patient. The following large veins are examined:
- femoral,
- iliac,
- small subcutaneous,
- large subcutaneous,
- popliteal,
- veins of the lower leg.
The standard ultrasound of the vessels of the legs includes an assessment of blood flow, valves, the state of the vessels that connect the venous network.
Diagnostics is carried out according to a certain scheme, it lasts about 40-60 minutes. The examinee lies down on the couch, freeing the calves and thighs from clothes, since these parts of the body will be examined. A transparent gel is applied to the area of the tissue to be examined, which contributes to the best conductivity. Next, the doctor examines the legs by guiding the sensor over the body. First of all, the blood flow in the superficial veins of the thigh is studied. Further, the Valsalva test is carried out, in other words, the condition of the valves of the great saphenous vein is assessed. The popliteal vein is examined and the superficial, common and deep veins of the thigh are examined. The veins of the lower leg and their valves are visible in the standing position. The vessels connecting the venous network in the thigh and lower leg are the last to be studied. This diagnosis is able to identify the presence of blood clots and their location, often it is thanks to ultrasound that a particular disease is determined, and the tactics of treatment are also determined. At the end of the procedure, the gel is removed from the surface of the skin with a napkin, and the doctor prints out the recorded results.
Today, ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities in Moscow is in great demand, due to the fact that this diagnosis is safe, affordable and does not have a negative effect on the body. Our medical center offers this procedure at an adequate price and in a comfortable environment.
They can touch anyone. To avoid further complications, to obtain a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment, an ultrasound of the lower extremities can be performed, which gives accurate results. Leg pain can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. In this article, you will learn how to do an ultrasound of the lower extremities. Photos will illustrate the process.
What could be the reasons?
Ultrasound examination of the legs is currently in demand among diagnostic methods. Its essence is quite simple: ultrasonic waves are used for examination, which help to give an objective assessment of the state of the vessels of the lower extremities.
An overly energetic or, on the contrary, a sedentary lifestyle, uncomfortable shoes, bad habits - all this can be the beginning of vascular diseases. And this often causes a lot of discomfort. For this reason, you need to fight disease.
An ultrasound of the lower extremities should be performed if there are any vascular disorders, namely:
- detection of stars from small vessels or dilated veins on the skin of the legs;
- flowing and creeping sensation;
- pallor of the feet;
- muscle spasms of the back of the lower leg;
- emaciation of the lower limbs due to stress;
- compression of the skin on the legs, its darkening and long-term non-healing trophic ulcers;
- narrowing of the lower leg in size, changes in muscle strength, tone, hair growth;
- a feeling of coolness in the legs and their rapid freezing, despite the normal air temperature;
- the appearance of pain in the legs during movement, any stress and at rest, which often indicates the need for ultrasound of the lower extremities;
- blue toes or the entire foot;
- swelling of the legs, especially unilateral.
The superiority of ultrasound
Ultrasound of the lower extremities makes it possible to examine the vessels with maximum clarity, without exposing the patient to radiation, as well as the doctor. Due to its non-invasive focus, this procedure can be performed multiple times with the same patient.
Today, in modern private clinics, ultrasound is carried out not only of the external veins of the legs, but also of the deep ones. The cost of such an examination is higher, but it can help prevent the formation of asymptomatic vascular diseases. And surely many are asking the question: where to do an ultrasound of the lower extremities?
Ultrasound examination of deep veins of the legs is not performed everywhere, since the manufacturers of current technology have only recently introduced devices for such examination into medical centers. When performing ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities, the price of the event will be directly determined by the qualifications of the nursing staff, the level of depreciation and the cost of medical equipment with which the procedure itself is carried out.
How is an ultrasound of the lower extremities done?
The very process of examining the vessels of the legs is no different from the usual ultrasound examination. A special gel is applied to the diseased limb, which is necessary for closer contact with the apparatus. The duration of the ultrasound scan is no more than an hour. The event is absolutely painless. Only in certain cases are additional injections necessary.
It is also completely unnecessary to prepare for an ultrasound examination of the blood vessels of the legs. The patient does not have to restrict himself to food before the examination and does not stop taking daily medications.
Since the procedure takes a rather long period, the patient is allowed to eat something before the process itself, and this will not affect the results. You can wear a skirt or comfortable pants.
The appointment of such an event
Ultrasound of the lower extremities always adheres to certain goals:
- see the patency of the vessels, as well as the capacity of the entire venous system;
- examine the general condition of tissues and veins;
- check venous blood flow.
In order for the procedure for checking the vessels of the legs to give good results, the study should be performed in three positions: lying on the back, stomach and standing. You can watch how the ultrasound of the lower extremities is done . The photo below demonstrates the procedure.
What diseases can you find out about after an ultrasound scan?
The examination of the blood vessels of the legs contributes to the determination of many different ailments:
- Persistent venous insufficiency.
- Phlebothrombosis (the formation of blood clots in the deep venous system).
- Varicose veins.
- Valve insufficiency of saphenous, perforating and deep veins.
- Thrombophlebitis (development of blood clots in the external veins).
Where can I get tested?
In order to find out exactly where ultrasound diagnostics of the blood vessels of the lower extremities is performed, you should contact a vascular surgeon. The doctor can independently carry it out in a specialized center or a multidisciplinary clinic or advise a specialist in whom he has confidence. It is also possible to perform ultrasound examination of the legs absolutely free of charge in the vascular surgery department of the central state hospital.
For a fee, you can go through an examination at the nearest phlebological center, having found out the price for the event by phone. The cost of such a diagnosis will depend on which specific blood vessels will be examined.
Now many have learned how and where ultrasound of the lower extremities is done. It remains only to decide on the venue.
Ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities- a modern and non-invasive method for diagnosing the state of the vascular system of the legs. The phlebologist recommends an ultrasound scan of the veins in the legs in case of complaints of sensory disturbances, burning sensations, fatigue, chills, tired legs, muscle spasms, as well as in the presence of dilated veins and vascular "asterisks". It is also necessary to undergo a vein examination in case of venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis, phlebitis, lameness of unknown origin. Highly recommended for diabetes. An ultrasound of the veins of the legs can be prescribed based on the results of coronary angiography, ultrasound and X-ray of the heart, tests for venous insufficiency, radiography of the lungs.
This examination is carried out without preliminary preparation, there is no restriction on the diet. An ultrasound of the legs of a child is performed without age restrictions. The patient is examined, then the veins are examined while lying on the couch. After that, they are asked to stand up to assess the condition of the vessels of the veins in the legs in an upright position. The duration of the session is 40-50 minutes.
The ultrasound procedure itself has no contraindications, is painless and absolutely safe for the patient, and can be performed repeatedly to track the dynamics of treatment. It is not carried out only in case of damage to the skin, ulcers, burns, dermatological diseases.
More details
Price
The cost of an ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities in Moscow ranges from 1000 to 8500 rubles. The average price is 2580 rubles.
Where to do an ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities?
Our portal contains all the clinics where you can do an ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities in Moscow. Choose a clinic that is suitable for the price and location, and make an appointment on our website or by phone.
Symptoms such as heaviness and pain in the legs, edema and a whole range of discomfort when walking or standing for a long time, as well as the appearance of bulging veins in the evening, are a direct indication of problems with the circulatory system of the lower extremities. At the first consultation, the doctor will need to clarify the degree of pathology in order to choose the right treatment. As in the case with any, one of the key diagnostic measures here is an ultrasound examination of the arteries and veins of the legs. So, when is it prescribed and what does ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities show?
Alas, the modern rhythm of life is not only technical progress, but also a decrease in the age of patients with many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. For example, if earlier atherosclerosis of the vessels of the legs was a disease characteristic of the elderly, today its manifestations have begun to be found in patients under 30 years of age.
Important! The reason for this frightening trend is a sedentary lifestyle, an abundance of bad habits and a commitment to unhealthy diets, which are often aggravated by a hereditary predisposition.
Ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities is indicated from a certain age as a preventive procedure and is also recommended to all those whose work is associated with prolonged standing. But there are signs in which ultrasound becomes a necessity and does not require delay.
Video 1. Ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities: indications. How do they do it?
What are the indications? It is necessary to examine the vessels of the legs immediately when:
- noticeable swelling;
- dilated veins, clearly visible at any time, and not only after exercise;
- discoloration of the skin on the leg area (more often the problem area turns brown or purple);
- the appearance of trophic ulcers;
- increased convulsions;
- a tingling sensation or numbness in the limbs;
- itching, although skin diseases are excluded.
Doppler scanning of the vascular system of the legs becomes a good addition to ultrasound. It is shown when:
- diabetes mellitus;
- high cholesterol;
- smoking;
- pain in the legs, aggravated by walking;
- pallor of the skin on the legs;
- rapid freezing of the feet or legs in general;
- muscle weakness of the lower extremities;
- feeling that the legs periodically run "goosebumps".
The veins of the hands also need timely diagnosis, but the indications here are somewhat different.
Photo 1. Ultrasound diagnostics of the arteries and veins of the legs.
You need to hurry up for an ultrasound of the vessels of the hands if:
- it happens that the hands “go numb”;
- there is a feeling of weakness when you cannot take anything in the hand or clench the hand into a fist;
- hands are constantly freezing (even if only hands);
- wounds appearing on the hands do not heal for a long time;
- if the difference in pressure when measured on different hands is more than 20 mm.
Particular attention should be paid to this complex of symptoms for people suffering from hypertension, diabetes mellitus or heavy smokers.
What does the survey show?
The lower limbs are supplied with blood by a whole network of vessels, divided into a triad of venous systems. They contain deep and superficial collectors of veins, which have a large number of bivalve valves. These valves allow the blood to move from the bottom up, in opposition to gravitational forces.
The basis of the venous system is made up of deep vessels that are invisible to the eye even in people with thin legs and thin skin. A significant part of all blood flows through these vessels (about 90%), and the walls differ from the structure of superficial veins in a small thickness of muscle fiber.
Reference! Communication between the deep and superficial vascular systems is carried out through the perforating veins, which are also called communicating veins.
Their number is approximately one hundred on each leg, and the function is to move blood from bottom to top. This movement is facilitated by the muscular work that occurs when the body is in an upright position and the pressure created in the right atrium.
Norms and decoding
The ultrasound results should be interpreted by a vascular surgeon or phlebologist, which can correctly analyze all the metrics and dimensions involved.
Photo 1. Ultrasound form: sample protocol for the diagnosis of veins and arteries of the lower extremities.
Arteries of the legs
On ultrasound of the arteries of the legs, the doctor is able to assess:
- anatomy of each vessel;
- the thickness of the vessel wall (in the conclusion it can be referred to as the “intima-media” complex - the study of the common carotid and common femoral arteries as constant values);
- parameters of vascular resistance - they can be used to judge the presence of stenosis and general patency of the arteries;
- characteristic features of blood flow, depending on the phase of the heart (diastole or systole);
- the speed of blood flow and the rapidity of its change.
In the research protocol must contain a description:
- The type of blood flow and its compliance with the norms.
- The maximum blood flow rate for each vessel (also checked for compliance with the standards in the table).
- PI - pulsation index, which is the ratio of the sum of all maximum speeds to the average speed. On the lower limbs, it must exceed the number 4.
- DF - damping factor. Normally, it should fall between 1.15 and 1.48, lower values indicate arterial stenosis. It characterizes the relationship between the pulsation index in the far and near parts of the limb.
- Blood pressure parameters, each of the vessels has its own norms, in addition, the doctor should pay attention to the difference in pressure. Between different limbs, it should not exceed 20 units.
- LEAD (or malleolar-brachial index) - characterizes the relationship between the pressure values in the shoulder and ankle, should be about 1.0.
- RI or brachial index - has its own standard for each vessel and characterizes the difference between the minimum and peak velocities of blood flow to the peak velocity of the femoral artery. Normally, it should be 1.0 - 1.2.
- The presence of stenosis and its volume as a percentage.
- The presence of plaques and their characteristics: mobility, location, uniformity of composition, complications.
Veins
The ultrasound protocol of the veins of the lower extremities contains information on:
- the condition of each vein on the left and right;
- connection of blood flow in vessels with respiration;
- susceptibility of collector vessels to compression;
- wall stenosis;
- the presence of blood clots;
- the consistency of the venous valves;
- the presence of pathology in the form of reflux;
- localization of perforating veins with a diameter of more than 3 mm that do not perform their functions.
If a thrombus is detected, its parameters should be indicated in the study protocol.:
- Does it block the venous lumen, and if so, by what percentage;
- it is mobile or has a parietal arrangement;
- what is its structure;
- when the sensor touches it, whether the thrombus changes its position or remains motionless.
Based on the information received, the patient is issued a conclusion on the basis of which only a vascular surgeon or a qualified phlebologist can give recommendations or prescribe treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is worth recalling once again that only a specialist can correctly interpret the results of ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities! You should not try to decipher the data obtained on your own: only a doctor can know how to correctly make a clarifying diagnosis or conduct treatment! Only he will be able to correctly assess the state of blood vessels and further tactics of maintaining their health.
Among all the methods used for diagnosing the vessels of the lower extremities, ultrasound of the veins of the legs is a recognized leader. This is due to both the high reliability of the information obtained during the study and the harmlessness of the procedure. Another important advantage is the simplicity for the patient. The survey does not require absolutely any specific preparation.
Indications for ultrasound diagnostics
The examination is prescribed by the attending physician, but is often carried out with the patient's independent treatment. The most common indications are:
What shows Ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities?
Phlebologists strongly recommend periodic ultrasound of the legs for people at risk of venous disease. This includes those whose work is associated with prolonged sitting or standing, lifting weights, low ambient temperatures. There is also a great risk of developing vascular diseases of the legs during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, with frequent flights, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Comprehensive examination of deep and superficial veins with an accurate diagnosis of the disease
2000 RUB
Expert consultation with a phlebologist
RUB 1,500
Types of ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities
Modern medicine has several methods of ultrasound diagnostics. All of them are quite informative, reliable and safe.Ultrasound angioscanning - the scanned area is scanned with ultrasound waves, which are reflected from the tissues of the body. As a result, a detailed image is formed on the monitor of the ultrasound machine. It is used to diagnose the condition of venous valves, detect and localize pathological changes (wall dilation, blood clots, seals).
Duplex sonography - based on a combination of ultrasound of the veins in the leg and Doppler scanning. Performed in monochrome or color. Shows both the state of the venous vessels and the speed and direction of blood flow. This is one of the most versatile and highly informative methods.
Color Doppler mapping - well suited for studying the characteristics of blood flow in real time (velocity, volume, direction). It is often used in combination with other diagnostic techniques.
All of the above methods have established themselves as the "gold standard" of diagnostics. The study takes 30-60 minutes, at the end of the study, the diagnostician makes a transcript and provides a conclusion with a detailed description. Based on these data, the attending physician selects an effective treatment strategy.
It is important to remember: if you are susceptible to risk factors for venous diseases, be sure to carry out a preventive examination 1-2 times a year. The price of an ultrasound scan of the legs is quite affordable, and timely detection of abnormalities will allow treatment to be carried out much more efficiently, faster and significantly minimizes financial costs. Do not postpone the examination, make an appointment today and be healthy!
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