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Color Doppler imaging in the subclavian-axillary region and upper extremity
1Radiology Service, San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center, California 94121.
Insights
Color-coded Doppler ultrasound effectively visualizes thoracoaxillary and upper arm vessels, aiding in identifying abnormalities and mapping veins. This imaging technique enhances speed and assessment of vascular structures, though not foreign body detection.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Imaging
- Medical Ultrasound
Background:
- Color-coded Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique.
- Assessing vascular structures in the thoracoaxillary region and upper arm presents unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of color-coded Doppler ultrasound in the thoracoaxillary region and upper arm.
- To assess the method's effectiveness in identifying vascular abnormalities, mapping veins, and evaluating grafts.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three patients underwent color-coded Doppler ultrasound examination.
- The study focused on the thoracoaxillary region and upper arm vasculature, including subclavian vessels and cephalic/basilic veins.
Main Results:
- Subclavian artery and vein were visualized in most patients, with one case of occlusion and collateralization.
- Color-coded sonography improved speed of vessel localization and assessment of flow, turbulence, and collateralization.
- Masses, foreign bodies, and carotid subclavian grafts were accurately distinguished and evaluated.
- Sonographic mapping of cephalic/basilic veins was effective in seven patients.
- Foreign body detection was not significantly enhanced by color coding.
Conclusions:
- Color-coded Doppler ultrasound is a valuable tool for evaluating thoracoaxillary and upper arm vasculature.
- The technique offers advantages in speed, localization, and detailed assessment of vascular structures and abnormalities.
- It aids in identifying occlusions, collateralization, and grafts, improving diagnostic capabilities in this region.
Abstract:
Thirty-three patients were examined by color-coded Doppler ultrasound of the thoracoaxillary region or upper arm to review the utility of the method in this local area. The subclavian artery and vein were identified in all but one patient, in whom the subclavian vein was occluded and collateral vessels had developed. Masses and foreign bodies were easily distinguished from vascular abnormalities. Sonographic cephalic/basilic vein mapping was effective in seven patients. Carotid subclavian grafts were noted and evaluated appropriately in two patients. Color-coded sonography offered advantages in speed of localization of vessels and visual assessment of vessel location, direction of flow, turbulence, relationship to adjacent soft tissues, and detection of collateralization. Foreign body detection was not enhanced by color coding.