Can color Doppler echocardiography detect vascular stenosis?

Vascular stenosis here generally refers to cardiovascular stenosis. Echocardiography usually cannot detect cardiovascular stenosis.

Echocardiography is primarily used to evaluate cardiac structure, such as whether there are abnormalities or malpositions in the atria and ventricles or at the junctions between ventricles and major arteries. It can also help identify structural heart defects, assess heart valve function and ventricular ejection performance, thereby diagnosing conditions such as cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, or congenital heart disease, providing a comprehensive evaluation of cardiac function. However, due to its limited resolution, echocardiography and other external ultrasound techniques generally cannot determine the presence or extent of cardiovascular stenosis. Therefore, echocardiography typically cannot reveal cardiovascular narrowing.

If cardiovascular stenosis is suspected, it is recommended to undergo tests such as coronary angiography or coronary CT angiography to clearly visualize the internal condition of the blood vessels, determine the presence of stenosis or blockages, and obtain preliminary insights into overall cardiac status, thus helping patients choose appropriate treatment options.