[Initial experiences with ultrasound angiography in the area of extracranial and peripheral arteries]

First experience with ultrasound angiography of extracranial and peripheral arteries in 20 patients is reported. Ultrasound angiography is a new method of color-coded vessel imaging. It is based on signal processing of the blood flow amplitudes. Color imaging of echo signals by ultrasound angiography is independent of the direction and velocity of blood flow and of the angle of ultrasound beam. Aliasing and changes of colors due to changes of direction do not exist. We found a sharper imaging of the vessel lumen and the vessel wall compared with color Doppler. Imaging of vessel branches and small vessels is even better. Documentation of vessels by ultrasound angiography is similar to angiography and can be obtained convincingly. Application of this method in addition to color-coded duplex sonography is recommended.