Duplex scanning of the brachiocephalic vessels

Duplex scanning of vessels is a widespread ultrasound used to visualize the arteries, their surrounding tissue and the bloodstream. Today is considered the main method of diagnosis of vascular diseases, is characterized by high information content and accessibility. The method is based on a property of ultrasound to be reflected from the soft tissue.

Testimony

Duplex scanning of vessels prescribed for the diagnosis of the following diseases:

• atherosclerosis;
• angiopathy;
• aneurysm;
• vasculitis (inflammation of vessel walls);
• violations of cerebral circulation (ischemia);
• anomalies and injuries of the blood vessels;
• varicose veins;
• of thrombophlebitis;
• thrombosis of the veins;
• pulmonary embolism.

Types of ultrasound examination

Duplex scanning of vessels of the brain and neck is performed in different modes:

1. two-dimensional – shows the arteries and surrounding tissue, except blood vessels inside the skull, gives some information about the bloodstream;
2. duplex scanning (conducted in two modes – color and spectral) – gives a two-dimensional image and shows the vessel in two dimensions (length and breadth), enables to obtain information about blood flow, the vessel wall, lumen, and surrounding tissues.

To study the blood vessels inside the skull, using transcranial ultrasound, which is less informative than CT and MRI. It should:

• for the study of brain substances in the brain lesions in hemispheres;
• when intracerebral hematomas;
• for monitoring of previously diagnosed pathologies.

In addition, it is shown:

• if the duplex uniceramic arteries discovered the stenosis and closure of the lumen;
• if there are indirect signs of vascular lesions within the skull;
• at constant headaches;
• if there is evidence of brain ischemia;
• when vasculitis, diabetes, hypertension;
• when abnormalities of the brain, associated with changes in its structure and circulation.

The method has many advantages:

• informativeness and efficiency;
• the relative cheapness, accessibility for most people;
• painless, non-invasive, do not require anesthesia;
• harmless in the absence of radiation;
• contraindications are virtually absent due to the fact that the negative effects on the body the ultrasound does not provide;
• is carried out in real time.

There are some drawbacks:

• difficulties in the examination of small vessels;
• the result depends on professionalism of the doctor;
• cholesterol plaques can impede the passage of ultrasound.

How is

Duplex scanning of the arterieshead and neck can be performed in almost all patients, including pregnant women and children. Preliminary preparation before the procedure is not required. The examination lasts about an hour.