Vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging method designed to survey the vascular, or circulatory system. It is a safe, harmless, proven method that uses Doppler technology to create color images and videos of what is happening inside the body. This type of ultrasound uses high-frequency soundwaves that can show speed and direction of blood flow within the veins.
Vascular ultrasound is an important tool for screening and diagnosis of vascular disease. Vascular disease can lead to serious complications, so screening is important and can save lives. Some conditions that vascular ultrasound can screen for include abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), carotid artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Abdominal aortic aneurysm or AAA is a condition characterized by the enlargement of the lower aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and carriers oxygenated blood throughout the body. An AAA can cause the aorta to rupture and bleed, which can be life-threatening.
AAA often does not present symptoms early on, which is why screening with vascular ultrasound is so critical. Screening is recommended for at-risk individuals, mainly men ages 65-75, especially those who have a history of smoking.
Other risk factors include:
- Family history
- Older age
- Other prior aneurysms
Treatment for AAA may include lifestyle changes, medication, or in some cases surgery.
Carotid Artery Disease
The carotid arteries are large arteries located on either side of the neck that deliver oxygenated blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs due to a buildup of plaque within the arteries. This reduces the blood flow and can even cause arterial blockages. Carotid artery screenings can help identify early buildup of plaque before a blockage occurs.
Doppler vascular ultrasound can help detect blockages because these exams show both speed and direction of blood flow. The interruption of blood flow could cause a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is often a precursor to a stroke.
Risk factors for carotid artery disease include:
- Diabetes
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Older age
- Tobacco use
Screening is recommended for those with two or more risk factors, other existing vascular disease, or for individuals who are over the age of 55 and have one or more risk factors. Treatment for carotid artery disease may include lifestyle changes or medication.
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Peripheral vascular disease or PVD is caused by a narrowing of the peripheral blood vessels, which are located away from the heart and brain. PVD is typically caused by atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty plaque within the blood vessels. Complications include reduced blood flow and blood clots in the veins, which can lead to stroke.
PVD occurs due to the buildup of plaque over time, and early on it may not present with symptoms. Vascular ultrasound screening exams can help with early detection by identifying a narrowing of the arteries and a reduction in blood flow. Men over the age of fifty are at higher risk for PVD.
Additional risk factors include:
- Coronary artery disease
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
Treatment for PVD includes lifestyle changes and medication to improve blood flow and reduce cholesterol.
Vascular Ultrasound Procedure
A vascular ultrasound exam is often performed by a Registered Vascular Technologist, or RVT. During a screening exam, the RVT will use a handheld device called a transducer to apply pressure to the area of concern. A gel is applied to the transducer to help eliminate air pockets and allow the harmless soundwaves to travel better. The RVT can then view live images and videos of the veins and blood flow on the ultrasound monitor.
Vascular ultrasound exams are painless, noninvasive, and have no known side effects, which makes them an ideal screening and diagnostic tool. They are crucial for early detection of vascular disease, many of which do not present symptoms early on. Screening can reduce the risk of complications, save lives, and improve patient health and longevity. For more information on vascular ultrasound screening, visit the Mint Medical exams page.
Guest Contributor: Jordan Galerkin
Sources:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350688
- Carotid Artery Disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carotid-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20360519
- Carotid Artery Screening. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/screening-carotid
- Peripheral Vascular Disease. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-vascular-disease
- Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/peripheral-vascular-disease
- Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. American Family Physician. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0515/od1.html
- Types of Ultrasound. Ultrasound Quotes. https://www.ultrasoundquotes.com/blog/doppler-vs-duplex/
