Duplex sonography of the extremities is a non-invasive and valuable tool in detecting diseases in the blood vessels of the arms and legs. This post will cover the basic evaluation of the upper and lower extremity arterial systems. Indications 1. DETECTION OF STENOSIS OR OCCLUSIONS IN SEGMENTS OF THE PERIPHERAL ARTERIES. 2. MONITORING OF SITES… Read More Arterial Duplex/Doppler Sonography of the Upper Extremities
Anatomy The Portal Vein is made up three main vessels the Superior and Inferior Mesenteric veins and the Splenic vein. When these three vessels converge they become the Main Portal Vein which enters the Liver via the porta hepatis along with the hepatic artery and common bile duct (cbd exits the liver), aka the Portal… Read More Portal Vein Doppler
Umbilical Artery Doppler Study Umbilical artery Dopplers are monitored for a variety of reasons in MFM. This is typically a part of a fetal well being assessment. We use the umbilical artery Doppler in the 2nd and 3rd trimester for growth restriction which helps us to determine placental insufficiency. According to Radiopeadia, “Umbilical artery Doppler… Read More Umbilical Artery Doppler
IntroductionNutcracker syndrome was first described in the literature by El-Sadr and Mina in 1950 [1]. It is considered a vascular compression disorder akin to May-Thurner syndrome (left iliac vein is compressed by the right iliac artery) and Thoracic outlet syndrome (compression of the vessel of the upper extremity)[2]. In normal anatomy the left renal vein… Read More Nutcracker Phenomenon/Syndrome
The appendix testis is a vestigial remnant of the Müllerian duct. It is a little nub of non functioning tissue that is normally located in the superior pole of the testicle. If this structure twists (torsion) it can lead to inflammation and pain. This process is most commonly seen in pediatrics especially prepubescent boys. Clinically… Read More Torsed Appendix Testis
Fetal heart studies for the General OB sonographer. For me, the fetal heart always felt overwhelming. To learn the fetal heart it takes time, patience, practice, and study. As you learn and become familiar with normal anatomy, the abnormal will stand out faster and quicker to you. It is easier to start learning heart views… Read More Fetal Heart Survey
Authors: Henry Suarez RDMS, RVT; Richard Garay R.T. (S), RDMS, RVT Reflux Today we have a case to evaluate for the presence of “ venous reflux”.“Venous reflux” is a common abnormality due to valvular incompetence leading to the conditionknown as venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is caused by the backwards flow of blood in the veins… Read More Venous Insufficiency Case/Protocol
biliary sand/microlithiasis precursor to stones cholecystitis, colic, pancreatitis Biliary sludge is a common finding on GB sonography. It is mainly comprised of calcium bilirubinate granules and lesser amounts of cholesterol crystals. It can be asymptomatic. Risk factors are rapid weight loss, gastric surgery, total parenteral nutrition (tpn) in fact you see it quite frequently in… Read More Gallbladder Sludge
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial malignant neoplasm in infants and children. It accounts for eight to 10% of all childhood cancers and 15% of cancer related death. The median agent diagnosis is usually 22 months with 30 % of cases being discovered in the first year of life. The tumors arise from the neural… Read More Neuroblastoma
Transducer I use a 6 MHz (dropping the frequency between 4-5 if necessary) Curvilinear abdominal transducer and the 9 MHz linear transducer to get higher res doppler, gray scale and bflow images. If the patient is obese you may use a sector transducer. I like to begin the exam examining the native kidneys. Now a… Read More Renal Transplant Duplex Protocol
Sonographic Tendencies 