Arterial and venous Doppler ultrasound of the upper limbs
Arm Doppler ultrasound (arterial and venous) in Casablanca
This ultrasound exam studies the arteries and veins of the arms, from the base of the neck to the hands. Doppler measures blood flow to look for a clot, a narrowing or a compression. It is also used to prepare and then monitor a dialysis fistula. With no X-rays and no injection, it is painless and can be repeated to follow progress under treatment.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Examining the arms generally takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE & Hitachi
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Swollen arm, especially with a catheter or an implanted port.
- Cold hand or fingers that turn white in the cold.
- Difference in blood pressure between the two arms.
- Tingling with the arms raised, suggesting a compression under the collarbone.
- Assessment before a dialysis fistula, or monitoring of one.
- Red, hard and painful arm vein after an IV infusion.
How the exam is done
Sitting or lying down, with your upper body uncovered, you keep your arm held out to the side. The doctor follows the vessels from the collarbone to the wrist. On the veins, the doctor presses briefly with the probe: an open vein flattens, whereas a clot prevents it from closing.
To look for a compression, the doctor sometimes asks you to raise your arms or turn your head. Blood pressure measured on both arms may complete the exam. On a dialysis fistula, the probe is placed with very little pressure, so as not to disturb the flow. At the end, you put your jewelry and clothes back on and return to your usual activities.
Preparation
- Remove your watch, bracelets and rings, and wear a top that is easy to take off.
- A tank top or a sleeveless top makes it easier to reach the arms and armpits.
- Note when the symptoms appear: in the cold, during exertion or with the arms raised.
Fasting
No fasting is required. You eat, drink and take your medication normally.
Contrast injection
The exam is done without an injection.
Contraindications and precautions
- Ultrasound has no contraindication.
- Catheter, implanted port or dialysis fistula: tell us about it.
- Wound, dressing or IV line in place on the arm: let us know before the exam.
- Swollen arm with shortness of breath or chest pain: this is an emergency, call emergency services.
Documents to bring
- Doctor's prescription
- Previous vascular exams
- Report of the catheter placement or fistula creation, if applicable
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why raise my arms?
Some compressions only appear with the arms raised or the head turned. These positions, held for a few seconds, show whether the flow decreases.
Can my dialysis fistula be examined?
Yes. Doppler measures its flow and looks for a narrowing. Before the fistula is created, Doppler can also map the arm vessels to help the surgeon.
Are both arms examined?
It depends on the prescription. For a compression or a difference in blood pressure, both sides are compared; for a swollen arm, the affected side is often enough.
What if I have an implanted port?
Tell us about it. The doctor examines the vein around the port and the catheter without moving them, protecting the dressing as much as possible.
Is it hard to keep my arm raised?
Sometimes a little tiring, but not painful. You can rest your arm between measurements, and the exam itself does not hurt.
What happens if a clot is found?
Your doctor decides on the treatment, often an anticoagulant, and on what to do about a catheter or an implanted port.