Duplex Doppler ultrasound examination of extremities arteries: guidelines of the Polish Society for Vascular Surgery

Abstract

The duplex Doppler examination of extremities arteries is the primary diagnostic method in detecting disorders leading to lower and upper extremities blood supply disturbances. In many cases the Doppler ultrasound plays a major role in the process of qualification to the reconstructive procedures or conservative treatment, especially to the endovascular procedures. Regardless of the widespread availability and high sensitivity and specificity of this method it’s burdened with serious drawbacks. The most important of them are evaluation subjectivity and variety of methods determining the haemodynamic stenosis consequences. They often cause difficulties in comparing the test results carried out in different centres and to find correlations with other imaging methods results. In order to overcome these drawbacks, Polish Society for Vascular Surgery has attempted to develop recommendations for uniform methodology of extremities arteries Doppler examination. Legal terms, the manner of examination and its interpretation were presented. Proposing the way of highlights results and messages conclusion to enable the recommendations implementation of endovascular and surgical qualifications relating to surgical treatment. We hope that these recommendations will help to standardise examination techniques.