Duplex scanning of the veins of the upper extremities is briefly called ultrasound. It involves the use of ultrasound diagnostics with the involvement of Doppler studies.
The main task of such an examination is to identify possible pathologies of the veins. Separately, there are techniques that work according to a similar mechanism, but study the state of the arteries. The same apparatus helps to establish the condition of the lower extremities.
This popularity of the method is explained by the fact that, compared with outdated counterparts, it is safer.
How does it work?
A typical ultrasound provides a two-dimensional image that gives a general idea of the structure of the veins, as well as possible inherent anomalies. And the Doppler mode suggests the direction of blood flow, providing information on the speed of its movement.
Many categories of narrow specialists can send a scan, ranging from a phlebologist to a neurologist. The reasons for this are almost always the same: the complaints of the victims and the suspicions of the doctor himself.
The classic symptomatology, indicating the need to seek help for duplex testing, includes swelling of the hands, followed by reddening of the skin. Often, the condition is accompanied by pain.
An alarming indicator is periodic numbness or even just a tingling sensation in the upper limbs. But if the patient is worried about “goosebumps” or some other options for uncomfortable manifestations, then this is not a reason to ignore a visit to the doctor.
Даже затруднение движение рук и слабость свидетельствуют о возможном развитии отклонений. О том же намекают непроизвольные мышечные сокращения, которые не имеют никакого логичного объяснения.
The list of symptoms dilutes the pallor of the fingers and tingling. And if the victim became a victim of a hand injury, then this may in the future come back to haunt damage to the vascular bundles. The same can happen after direct surgical intervention. Another, but rather rare cause, is congenital anomalies.
Separately, the risk group included people who should be regularly scanned due to the fact that they have various blood diseases, endocrine disruptions, autonomic dysfunction, and hereditary predisposition.
Against the background of all of the above, the list of possible contraindications for carrying out the plan seems completely insignificant. It does not provide for any absolute prohibitions, but only relative contraindications covering damage to the skin at the site of examination.
Diagnostic Measures
A special preparatory period for the implementation of the tasks is not required here. In some cases, the patient is asked to remove clothing that covers their hands, as well as to put jewelry aside.
Basic scanning rules cover the following points:
- the study is carried out in a supine or sitting position;
- if necessary, before the start of the procedure, blood pressure is measured;
- before starting, the highly sensitive sensor is lubricated with gel for better conductivity.
To get a projection from all sides, the specialist must examine the entire problem area. To do this, sometimes he has to squeeze the shoulder or forearm of the patient, which is necessary for a more accurate assessment of the movement of venous blood through the vessels.
In most cases, the scan covers two arms, but in rare exceptions, the results of one limb are enough. All information is sent to the monitor and can be stored in the memory of the main computer.
In total, the diagnosis lasts about half an hour, and upon completion of testing, no restrictions or medical contraindications are imposed on the subject.
Results
It will be quite problematic to understand the results obtained without medical knowledge. Immediately after the scan is completed, the diagnostician will give the patient an officially documented conclusion, which will practically not contain digital indicators. Instead, data on the anatomical structure, patency, blood flow velocity and abnormal formations will be indicated there.
If everything is fine with the patients, then the conclusion will indicate that there are no obstacles to blood flow, and the veins are of normal size and localization. The doctor will also describe the absence of blood clots.
But with the detected pathologies, it will be said about the possible asymmetry of the blood flow between the two hands, or about blocking the blood flow. A decrease in speed, detected blood clots, narrowing of the lumen and aneurysm indicate deviations of varying severity.
After receiving a conclusion on scanning, the attending physician adds up the overall picture, adding the conclusions of the diagnostician to the patient’s complaints and the results of other tests. Based on the information received, a further treatment program is built.