Diagnostic Testing
Venous Duplex
Imaging ultrasound is used to assess the deep and
superficial veins for venous
thrombosis and/or reflux (backward flow in the veins). The arms and legs have two venous
systems, deep and superficial.
Sometimes clots develop in either or both systems due to
hypercoagulation, injury, a sedentary lifestyle or prolonged illness, a long
flight, work environment where people are sitting for many hours at one time,
cardiac conditions causing a back up of blood to the venous system (mitral
stenosis, congestive heart failure, pic lines, dialysis access lines in the
subclavian and jugular veins, etc
Duplex ultrasound allows direct imaging and assessment of these veins,
allowing the interpreting physicians to diagnose and instigate treatment of
existing clots. It is important if
you think you have a clot to seek immediate help. When a clot first begins it may come loose and travel to the
heart, then the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism which may be life
threatening.
Indications
for this exam: In the majority of
cases only one leg is involved, causing obvious swelling of the extremity and
sometimes pain. If the condition
has lasted more than two weeks, any associated clot is no longer acute, or
likely to dislodge. A medical
visit should be arranged through your family physician, and a venous ultrasound
performed at the earliest possible convenience. If a clot exists, the area affected can expand, delaying the
effects of treatment and returning health of the venous system and affected
leg.
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center - 1798 N. Garey Avenue - Pomona, CA 91767 - (909) 865-9500 - Contact Us
