The most common reason for a venous ultrasound exam is to search for blood clots, especially in the veins of the leg. This condition is often referred to as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. These clots may break off and pass into the lungs, where they can cause a dangerous condition called pulmonary embolism. If found in time, there are treatments that can prevent this from happening.
Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate:
- •blockages to blood flow (such as clots)
- •venous insufficiency (reflux)
- •narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque)
- •tumors and congenital malformation
