Arterial and venous Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs
Leg Doppler ultrasound (arterial and venous) in Casablanca
A Doppler ultrasound combines ultrasound imaging, which shows the blood vessels, and Doppler, which studies blood flow. In the legs, it examines the arteries or the veins depending on the prescription, sometimes both, with no X-rays and no injection. For the veins, it looks for a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) and checks that the valves stop the blood from flowing back down. For the arteries, it detects a plaque that narrows or blocks the vessel. Painless and safe, it can be repeated to monitor treatment.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Allow 20 to 45 minutes, depending on whether the arteries, the veins or both are examined.
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, painful calf raising concern about a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis).
- Calf pain when walking that goes away with rest.
- Varicose veins or heavy legs, especially before treatment.
- Follow-up after a bypass, a stent or a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis).
- Leg wound that heals poorly, to look for a cause related to circulation.
- Assessment of the arteries in a person who has diabetes or smokes, if the doctor considers it useful.
How the exam is done
You remove your pants and socks; your upper body stays dressed. You lie down with your legs uncovered, and you may be asked to stand up for the study of the superficial veins. The probe moves from the groin to the ankle; at times, the doctor presses on the veins and squeezes the calf.
For the arteries, the doctor listens to the blood flow at several levels and looks for a narrowing or a blockage. Blood pressure may be measured at the ankle with a cuff. Compared with the pressure in the arm, it gives information about the circulation in the legs. Once the gel is wiped off, you put your compression stockings back on if you wear them and return to your activities.
Preparation
- Wear clothes that are easy to remove and bring your compression stockings.
- Check that the prescription specifies whether the arteries, the veins or both should be examined.
- For varicose veins, note where your legs feel heavy or swollen, and at what time of day.
Fasting
No fasting is needed. You can eat, drink and take your treatments as usual.
Contrast injection
No injection is needed.
Contraindications and precautions
- No contraindication to ultrasound.
- Wound, ulcer or dressing: tell us before the exam.
- Suspected blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) with shortness of breath or chest pain: call emergency services.
- Cast or splint on the leg: tell us, as the covered part cannot be examined.
Documents to bring
- Doctor's prescription
- Previous Doppler ultrasounds and surgical reports
- List of your medications, including anticoagulants
- 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
Should I stop my anticoagulant?
No, never stop it without medical advice. Simply tell us about it, with the date you started it: this helps to interpret the exam.
Why does the doctor press on my leg?
A healthy vein flattens under the probe. If it resists, a clot (thrombosis) may be filling it. This pressure is brief.
Why stand up?
When you stand, blood flows down into the veins: the doctor sees whether the valves close properly or whether blood flows backward (venous insufficiency).
What are the sounds I hear?
Doppler turns the speed of the blood into sound: a pulsing sound for an artery, and a softer whooshing sound that varies with breathing for a vein.
What is the difference between venous and arterial Doppler?
Venous Doppler looks for a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or varicose veins; arterial Doppler studies the blood supply down to the feet and looks for a narrowing. Your prescription specifies which one to do, sometimes both.
Does the exam hurt?
No, in general. Pressing on a swollen calf or an inflamed vein can be a little tender, but the doctor adjusts the pressure.