Scanning of neck vessels. Duplex scanning of head and neck vessels (BCA): what it shows and when it is prescribed, the pros and cons of the study. Duplex scanning of the complex: left renal vein, spermatic vein, veins of the pampiniform plexus

Diagnostics

High precision equipment
Modern research methods

Duplex scanning of blood vessels

Prices for Duplex scanning of blood vessels

Ultrasound examination of blood vessels- duplex (triplex) scanning with color Doppler flow coding.

The method is safe, painless, highly informative, combines visualization of vessels and tissues surrounding the vessel with simultaneous study of blood flow in the lumen of the vessel to identify the presence of blood clots, atherosclerotic plaques and assess the degree of narrowing of the arteries, aneurysms (dilation of blood vessels), pathological tortuosity of vessels, disturbances in the blood supply to vital organs. Allows you to reliably assess all existing changes in the vascular wall, including in the early stages of vascular diseases.

Why should it be done in our clinic?

Vascular examinations are carried out in our clinic highly qualified specialists who examine almost all parts of the vascular system, who have extensive experience in examining patients with vascular diseases, including surgical patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery on the arteries of the extremities, vessels of the head and abdominal cavity. If necessary, additional methods are used during examinations, such as compression and rotation tests, Valsalva test, Allen test, reactive hyperemia test, etc. Active cooperation of specialists with doctors of clinical departments will allow obtaining the necessary consultations on the results of the examination.

Indications

Cerebrovascular disease (headache, dizziness), osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia

Varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, phlebothrombosis, postthrombophlebitis disease

Atherosclerosis, endarteritis and diabetic angiopathy of the arteries of the lower extremities

Atherosclerosis of the visceral branches of the abdominal aorta (vessels supplying the organs of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys)

Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and other vessels

Vascular injuries and their consequences

Vascular monitoring before surgery

Vascular control after surgery

Screening examination (a study to identify asymptomatic forms of the disease)

A specialist - a vascular surgeon (angiosurgeon), cardiologist, neurologist, therapist - will help you determine which vessels need to be examined.

Contraindications

This research method has no contraindications.

Methods and indications:

Duplex scanning of brachiocephalic arteries and cerebral vessels

The study is carried out to identify the causes of headaches, dizziness, in the presence of spinal pathology, arterial hypertension, with elevated blood cholesterol levels, to identify pathological tortuosities and variations in the structure of the vessels supplying the brain, and also as a screening for the early detection of atherosclerosis. The examination begins with an examination of the vessels at the extracranial level (brachiocephalic arteries at the neck level), and, if necessary, an examination at the intracranial level (cerebral vessels).

To conduct the study, the patient must undress in the office from the waist up (down to underwear), remove jewelry from the neck and lie on the couch on his back with his chin raised. Depending on the complexity of the case, the examination can take up to 30–40 minutes.

Preparation

Duplex scanning of the venous system (veins of the lower extremities, veins of the upper extremities).

The study is carried out to diagnose varicose veins, thrombosis of deep and saphenous veins, identify the causes of swelling and pain in the extremities, for patients who have previously undergone venous thrombosis for dynamic observation, also as preoperative preparation.

To conduct the study, the patient must undress in the office below or above the waist (down to underwear), remove socks, stockings, bandages (if any) and lie on the couch on his back. In some cases, the study is also carried out with the patient standing and lying on his stomach; at the doctor’s request, simple tests are performed (breath holding, straining). Depending on the complexity of the case, the examination can take up to 30–40 minutes.

Preparation

The study does not require special preparation for the patient.

Duplex scanning of the venous system (inferior vena cava, iliac veins, renal veins)

Examination of the veins at the abdominal level is performed on patients to determine the level of spread of thrombosis, if any, and to monitor the installed vena cava filter.

Preparation

Duplex scanning of the arterial system (arteries of the lower extremities, arteries of the upper extremities)

The study is carried out on patients to identify the causes of pain in the limbs that occur during movement and walking, to clarify the degree and extent of narrowing of the arteries during atherosclerosis, patients with diabetes mellitus, and control of patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery on the arteries of the limbs.

Preparation

The study does not require special preparation for the patient.

Duplex scanning of the abdominal aorta, iliac arteries, visceral branches of the abdominal aorta (celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, renal arteries)

The study is performed on patients to clarify the causes of pain in the abdominal cavity, which can be caused by stenosis (narrowing) or occlusion (blockage) of the branches of the abdominal aorta (for example, the mouth of the celiac trunk) or an aneurysm (enlargement) of the abdominal aorta, as well as to exclude narrowing of the renal arteries with arterial hypertension.

To conduct the study, the patient must undress in the office from the waist up (down to underwear), lower his trousers or skirt and lie down on the couch on his back. Depending on the complexity of the case, the examination can take up to 30–40 minutes.

Preparation

The study is carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach.

1. Three days before the test, exclude gas-forming foods from the diet: vegetables, fruits, legumes, dairy products, brown bread.

2. Last meal the day before 7:00 p.m.

3. If the patient is prone to constipation, it is recommended to perform a cleansing enema the night before.

4. On the eve of the study, take 2 capsules of espumisan after each meal (3-4 times a day

Duplex scanning of the complex: left renal vein, spermatic vein, veins of the pampiniform plexus

The study is carried out as part of an examination for infertility, in the presence of dilated veins of the scrotum (varicocele).

To conduct the study, the patient must undress in the office from the waist up (down to underwear), lower his trousers and underwear and lie down on the couch on his back. During the examination, at the doctor’s request, simple tests are performed: holding your breath, straining. Depending on the complexity of the case, the examination can take up to 30–50 minutes.

Preparation

The study is carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Three days before the test, exclude gas-forming foods from the diet: vegetables, fruits, legumes, dairy products, brown bread.
2. Last meal the day before 7:00 p.m.
3. If the patient is prone to constipation, it is recommended to perform a cleansing enema the night before.
4. On the eve of the study, take 2 capsules of espumisan after each meal (3-4 times a day

Duplex scanning of blood vessels, rectus muscles of the eye

To conduct the study, the patient lies on the couch on his back and closes his eyes.

Preparation

The study does not require special preparation for the patient.

Duplex scanning of arteriovenous fistula

The study is carried out for patients preparing for the application of an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis sessions, as well as for monitoring functioning fistulas.

To conduct the study, the patient lies on the couch on his back, freeing the arm being examined.

Preparation

The study does not require special preparation for the patient.

Duplex scanning of the internal mammary arteries

The study is carried out as part of preoperative preparation for patients preparing for surgery - coronary artery bypass grafting to examine arteries as material for shunts.

To conduct the study, the patient needs to undress from the waist down in the office and lie on the couch on his back.

Preparation

The study does not require special preparation for the patient.

Ultrasound not only passes through tissue, but, reflected from blood cells, sends an image of the vessel to the screen, which allows one to evaluate the patency and degree of narrowing of the vessel.

There are several types of Doppler:

Ultrasound Dopplerography (Doppler ultrasound) is a study of the vessels of the neck, head, brain or other organs, which allows you to determine the patency of the vessel, i.e. his anatomy.
USDS - (Duplex Ultrasound Scanning) combines two functions: In this case, the vessel is already visible on the monitor, and an image of the tissue around it is obtained, as with a conventional ultrasound. It turns out that this method, unlike Doppler ultrasound, helps in diagnosing the cause of poor vessel patency. It helps to visualize plaques, blood clots, tortuosity of blood vessels, and thickening of their walls.
With Triplex scanning, the vessel is visible on the monitor against the background of the image of the tissues in the thickness of which it passes. In this case, the vessel is painted in different colors depending on the speed of blood flow in it.

congenital anomalies of the location, course or branching of blood vessels
atherosclerosis
injury to an artery or vein
inflammatory change in the walls of arteries and capillaries (vasculitis)
diabetic, hypertensive, toxic angiopathy
encephalopathy
vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck helps to understand:

causes of repeated transient ischemic attacks, strokes
the degree of damage to these particular arteries due to metabolic or antiphospholipid syndromes
the degree of impairment of the patency of blood vessels in the arterial bed due to atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and smoking.

Knowledge of the condition of extra- and intracranial arteries and veins, obtained using duplex scanning, helps in prescribing the correct treatment, objective monitoring of its effectiveness, and drawing up an individual prognosis.

Who needs to examine cerebral vessels

Duplex scanning (or at least ultrasound scanning) of intracranial arteries and veins (that is, those located in the cranial cavity) is indicated in cases of such complaints:

headache, noise in the ears or head
heaviness in the head
dizziness
visual impairment
attacks of impaired consciousness such as fainting or inadequacy
unsteadiness of gait
lack of coordination
impairment of speech production or understanding
limb weakness
numbness of hands.

The examination is also performed when pathology is detected during ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck, when pathology of the neck organs is detected using CT, scintigraphy, MRI (for example, enlargement of the thyroid gland). In this case, in order to prescribe adequate therapy, a neurologist needs to know how all these diseases affect the brain, and whether its nutrition may suffer from this.

Indications for examination of the vascular bed of the head and neck

Ultrasound duplex scanning of those arteries and veins that supply blood to the brain, but are located in the neck (that is, extracranial - outside the cranial cavity) should be carried out in the following cases:

headache
dizziness
unsteadiness of gait
impaired memory, attention
coordination problems
when planning operations on blood vessels and heart muscles
when identifying pathology of the neck organs, due to which the vessels passing there may be compressed
visible contraction of the blood vessels of the heart.

When is routine Doppler sonography necessary?

Doppler of both extra- and intracranial arteries and veins should be performed at least once a year as a routine study (even before the appearance of any complaints):

all women over 45 years old
all men over 40 years old
those who have close relatives suffering from hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease
for diabetes
smoking
antiphospholipid syndrome
for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
metabolic syndrome
arterial hypertension
if you have had a stroke or transient cerebrovascular accident
if a person suffers from rhythm disturbances (the likelihood of cerebral thromboembolism with subsequent stroke is increased)
increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins in the blood (signs of atherosclerosis)
had surgery on the spinal cord or brain
before planned heart surgery.

Ultrasound scanning of the vessels of the lower extremities

Atherosclerosis, endarteritis and diabetic angiopathy of the vessels of the lower extremities
Atherosclerosis of the visceral branches of the abdominal aorta (vessels supplying the gastrointestinal tract, liver, spleen and kidneys)
Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and other vessels
Varicose veins of the lower extremities
Vasculitis (inflammatory vascular disease)
Vascular diseases of the brain and neck
Control of performed surgical intervention on blood vessels
Postthrombophlebitic disease
External vessel compression syndrome
Screening examination (a study to identify asymptomatic forms of the disease)
Thrombophlebitis and phlebothrombosis of the veins of the extremities
Thrombosis of intestinal vessels
Vascular trauma and its consequences

Diagnostics

High precision equipment
Modern research methods

Ultrasound of brain and neck vessels

Ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck is a diagnostic procedure that allows you to assess the condition and function of the vessels responsible for blood supply in the head area: the main arteries of the brain, carotid arteries, vertebral and subclavian arteries and veins of the neck. Significant advantages of ultrasound of neck vessels are harmlessness for the patient (the study is not associated with exposure to radiation), painlessness (the procedure does not involve instrumental intervention and is non-traumatic), high information content, reasonable price, and the possibility of repeating the study many times if it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis.

Ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck is indicated for patients with acute or chronic cerebrovascular accident; those who have undergone open or closed traumatic brain injury or neurosurgical intervention; patients with various types of pathology of the cervical spine (congenital disorders of posture, injuries of the cervical spine and intervertebral discs, osteochondrosis, etc.).

There are several types of ultrasound examination of blood vessels. The modern diagnostic base includes traditional ultrasound examination (direct ultrasound) and duplex scanning of blood vessels (doppler ultrasound). Traditional ultrasound allows you to determine and evaluate the geometry of blood vessels, their thickness and patency, and the diameter of the vessel lumen. Doppler ultrasound (USDG) makes it possible to assess the speed of blood flow in real time and identify various vascular patency disorders (the presence of vasoconstrictions, blood clots, atherosclerotic plaques).

Ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck is indicated for the following group of patients:

patients with acute or chronic cerebrovascular accident;
patients who have suffered an open or closed craniocerebral injury;
patients who have undergone neurosurgical intervention.
patients with various types of pathology of the cervical spine (congenital disorders of posture, injuries of the cervical spine and intervertebral discs, osteochondrosis);
patients with identified chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, etc.);
patients with neoplasms (tumors) of various origins in the head and neck area.

An ultrasound scan of the vessels of the brain and neck is indicated if the patient has the following symptoms and conditions:

persistent headaches of unknown etiology;
systematic dizziness, darkening of the eyes;
repeated episodes of loss of consciousness;
noise in the head and ears;
sudden weakness, numbness and tingling in the limbs;
sudden disturbances in visual and speech function.

The study shows high efficiency in the early diagnosis of cerebral circulatory disorders, which allows for timely identification of the risk of stroke. The price of vascular ultrasound is quite acceptable and allows, among other things, routine preventive examination of patients with a hereditary predisposition to cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors (age over 40 years, smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels). blood, sedentary lifestyle, systematic stress).

Contraindications to ultrasound examination of the vessels of the brain and neck

The study actually has no contraindications, since it does not involve radiation exposure to the body.

Preparation for ultrasound of the blood vessels of the brain and neck

On the day of the study, the patient must stop taking all medications, with the exception of those that cannot be stopped even for a short period. It is necessary to discuss the possibility of interrupting medications with your doctor. Also, 2 hours before the procedure, you should stop drinking tea and coffee and refrain from smoking (caffeine and nicotine have a direct effect on the tone of blood vessels and can distort the results of the study). Before the examination, it is necessary to remove all jewelry from the head and neck.

At the Center, ultrasound of the blood vessels of the brain and neck is performed by appointment. After the procedure, the patient receives a photo and a detailed description made by a diagnostician.

Today, duplex ultrasound scanning (USDS) is the most informative diagnostic method in identifying pathologies of cerebral vessels.

During the procedure, it is possible to determine their anatomical structure, the presence of pathological processes, as well as the state of blood flow in real time.

Duplex scanning simultaneously combines several different techniques - ultrasound (ultrasound) and Doppler ultrasound.

What is ultrasonic scanning: the essence of the method, modes

Translated from English, the word “duplex” means double. In this case, the use of two ultrasound modes is implied:

B – mode – the essence of the method is that the sensor emits ultrasonic waves of a certain frequency passing through the patient’s tissues. Then, at different densities of the tissues being examined, ultrasound is reflected and the signal returns back to the sensor. The device emits ultrasonic waves and receives a return, reflected signal in a pulse mode, that is, at different time intervals. For example, if it is necessary to examine the most distant areas (of an echogenic structure), much more time passes between the ultrasound radiation and the reflection of the signal than when diagnosing structures located closer to the device. The unique properties of the sensor allow it to emit waves at different angles, with different time intervals. Modern technology allows you to scan and visualize a two-dimensional image of the vessels of the brain and neck vessels in a matter of minutes.
Doppler - this technique is based on the Doppler effect: ultrasound directed at the area under study, when colliding with a moving object, not only sends a response signal, but also changes the frequency and, accordingly, the wavelength of the radiation. When diagnosing blood vessels, the main object from which ultrasound is reflected are red blood cells. This allows you to identify the exact spectrum of blood flow speed.

Also, using the innovative method of color Doppler scanning (CDC), it is possible to build a color cartogram of blood flow in the vessel under study.

What does ultrasound scan show?

Duplex scanning of the vessels of the brain and neck allows you to study in detail their structure, condition and direction of blood flow. Each of the above modes determines the following data about the vessels of the head:

Ultrasound examination (B-mode) determines the location of blood vessels in the human body, their diameter, and the condition of the vascular lumen is assessed; the technique allows you to identify various pathologies that impede normal blood flow (for example, blood clots formed on the walls, cholesterol plaques); The most innovative devices are capable of visualizing a layer-by-layer image of the vessel.
The Doppler mode allows you to study in detail the hemodynamics of blood movement through the vessels, the direction of blood flow, and its speed.

Duplex scanning of the vessels of the head is a procedure that allows you to fully study almost all parameters of the blood vessels and make the most accurate diagnosis.

The technique is universal when it is necessary to identify pathological processes in the vessels of the brain and neck. In addition, the study refers to non-invasive diagnostic methods, which implies its complete safety and the ability to perform ultrasound scanning the required number of times.

During the diagnosis, not only blood vessels are visualized, but also nearby tissue structures. Intracranial duplex scanning is used to study the cerebral vascular beds. If it is necessary to obtain a color image, transcranial duplex scanning is used.

In what cases is a study prescribed?

Duplex ultrasound scanning is used for various diseases and pathological conditions of cerebral vessels:

congenital vascular malformations;
deformations of head vessels;
atherosclerosis;
injuries;
when blood clots form in the vessels of the brain (thrombosis);
if you suspect the presence of an aneurysm (expansion of part of the vascular wall);
inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis);
damage to blood vessels (angiopathy);
with discirculatory encephalopathy (brain damage that occurs due to circulatory failure);
in the presence of diseases in nearby adjacent tissues and structures.

Diagnostic measures are also prescribed for patients who have the following symptoms:

migraine;
constant feeling of heaviness in the head, accompanied by tinnitus and
frequent headaches;
dizziness;
motor coordination disorders, unsteadiness when walking;
fainting;
feeling of weakness and numbness in the legs and arms;
speaking disorders.

Duplex scanning is prescribed to patients who have previously suffered a stroke or surgery on the vessels of the brain, as well as people suffering from chronic cerebrovascular accidents. In this way, the condition of blood vessels and blood flow is monitored. Duplex scanning most informatively reveals secondary pathological changes in the vessels of the head in the presence of various diseases (for example, with a persistent increase in blood pressure or in the presence of diabetes mellitus).

The study is prescribed in the presence of large tumors inside the brain (cystic, cancerous formations and hematomas). In this case, the goal of diagnosis is to evaluate the tumor and its blood supply. Ultrasound scanning is also required before surgical intervention on cerebral vessels or to determine methods of conservative treatment.

Duplex scanning is of high importance in neurological practice and makes it possible to diagnose cerebral circulatory disorders in the early stages of development. This allows you to take timely measures to prevent an acute process. In this case, the possibility of a detailed study of cholesterol plaques and their density is of great importance.

At-risk groups

Duplex scanning is prescribed to people who are predisposed to developing diseases of the vascular system. The following categories of patients are at risk:

long-term smokers;
people who are overweight;
people leading a sedentary lifestyle, which as a result leads to physical inactivity;
exposed to frequent stressful situations;
age category after 45 years;
patients with a history of diabetes mellitus of any stage;
in the presence of elevated cholesterol levels in the body.

Preparing for Duplex Scanning

No special preparation is required for the ultrasound duplex scanning procedure. Diagnosis is carried out at any time of the day, but more often in the morning.

If the patient takes medications such as Phezam, Betaserc and some others, it is necessary to consult with your doctor about taking them on the day of the procedure.

Immediately before the examination, all possible jewelry should be removed from the head and neck area. At the end of the procedure, you should thoroughly wash your head and neck to completely remove any remaining gel.

Features of the event

Since ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic method, it does not cause pain or discomfort, and therefore does not require the use of anesthesia. The procedure is performed in a sitting or lying position, depending on which area of the head is being examined.

Then the specialist applies a transparent gel to the skin of the examined area, which acts as a conductor between the human body and the ultrasound sensor. The sensor is installed on the required area of the head; more often, certain areas with the thinnest bones of the skull are used for this purpose. Thus, ultrasonic waves freely penetrate inside the skull.

The duration of the diagnosis takes between 20-30 minutes, during which the specialist may ask the patient to hold his breath or change his body position. The procedure is well tolerated and does not cause discomfort.

Contraindications

Duplex scanning is a completely safe procedure that is used in patients of various ages, in particular in children, to diagnose diseases of the vascular system. The examination has no contraindications.

Duplex scanning is not performed in seriously ill patients who are unable to take the necessary body position for diagnosis.

Interpretation of ultrasound results

After a duplex scan, the doctor has complete information about the condition of the blood vessels in the brain. The examination results contain a small amount of digital data and determine the anatomical features of the vessels, their patency, hemodynamics, as well as the presence of various pathological formations inside the vessel that impede normal blood flow.

To make a final diagnosis, the doctor compares the results with normal values. Based on these values, a final diagnosis is made.