What can lower limb vascular ultrasound detect?
Mar 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Lower extremity vascular ultrasound can evaluate vascular inflammation, atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, vascular stenosis, hemangioma, and other issues, primarily used for diagnosing peripheral vascular diseases. If abnormalities are detected, timely medical consultation is recommended. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as lower limb swelling, pain, changes in skin temperature, or poor wound healing should promptly undergo vascular ultrasound examination. Patients with diabetes and those who are bedridden for prolonged periods should undergo regular screenings.
Lower extremity vascular ultrasound can evaluate vascular inflammation, atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, vascular stenosis, hemangiomas, and other conditions, primarily used for diagnosing peripheral vascular diseases. If abnormalities are detected, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Vascular Inflammation: Ultrasound examination can observe thickening and edema of the vascular wall, aiding in the diagnosis of vascular inflammatory diseases such as aortitis and giant cell arteritis, and assessing the severity and extent of inflammation.
2. Atherosclerosis: Lower extremity vascular ultrasound can detect the thickness of the arterial wall and plaque formation, helping diagnose atherosclerosis, evaluate vascular elasticity and blood flow, providing a basis for treatment.
3. Venous Thrombosis: Ultrasound examination can clearly visualize blood flow within veins, identifying the presence of thrombosis, especially deep vein thrombosis, facilitating early diagnosis and timely treatment.
4. Vascular Stenosis: Lower extremity vascular ultrasound can measure vascular diameter, detect the presence of stenosis or occlusion, assess blood flow velocity and direction, assisting in the diagnosis of peripheral artery disease and other vascular stenosis-related conditions.
5. Hemangiomas: Ultrasound can identify the location, size, and morphology of hemangiomas, determine their nature (cystic or solid), assess their impact on surrounding tissues, and provide reference for surgical or other treatment options.
It is recommended to promptly undergo vascular ultrasound examination if symptoms such as lower limb swelling, pain, changes in skin temperature, or poor wound healing occur. Patients with diabetes and those who are bedridden for prolonged periods should undergo regular screenings. Postoperative patients should follow medical advice for regular follow-ups. Avoid strenuous exercise before the examination and wear loose clothing to allow full exposure of the examination area.
[References]
[1] Zhang Hua. Lower Extremity Vascular Ultrasound: The "X-ray Vision" for Leg Health [J]. Health Must-Read, 2025, (02): 33.
[2] Hu Hongmei, Yang Bin. Evaluation of Ultrasound Vascular Imaging in Assessing Collateral Circulation in Lower Extremity Arteriosclerosis Obliterans [J]. Chinese Medical Device Information, 2024, 30(23): 78-80.
