LEG ARTERIES
ULTRASOUND
Objective of scan
We assess the leg arteries from groin to ankle for significant narrowing’s (stenosis) or blockages (occlusion) that affect blood flow.
Reasons for this scan may include:
Common indications for performing this examination:
- Leg Pain: Muscle pain, ache, cramp, sense of fatigue, numbness upon exercise particularly in the calf which is relieved by a short rest. This pain is called Intermittent claudication.
- Rest pain: Severe pain in the legs and feet when a person is not moving, sometime relieved by sitting or placing the limb out of the bed. This pain is called Ischaemic rest pain.
- Gangrene
- Ulcers
- Post-surgical follow up e.g. after having had an angioplasty and stenting.
- Aneurysm.
- False Aneurysm (Pseudoaneurysm).
- Assessment of arterial trauma.
What is included with this ultrasound scan?
An electronic ultrasound report of the examination including any measurements same day as your appointment.
What does the scan involve?
During the scan you will be asked to uncover your legs and gel will be placed over your skin. An ultrasound probe will then be placed on your skin and moved along your leg. An image will appear on the monitor which will be translated by a professionally qualified Ultrasonographer. The examination lasts around 20-30 minutes and is pain free. At the end of the examination the Ultrasonographer will give you a verbal report with a formal ultrasound scan report with any recommendations being sent to you which you can take to your regular healthcare professional.
Preparation for the scan
There is no real preparation when coming to have an arterial duplex ultrasound examination. Please try to wear loose clothing and also be prepared to remove the clothing for a full arterial examination.
Please bring along any information / medical notes / reports which are in relation to an arterial duplex ultrasound examination as they may provide useful information for the scan.
