US DOPPLER ABDOMEN

Abdomen Doppler Overview

The abdomen Doppler scan assesses the blood flow in the abdominal blood vessels, including the aorta, renal arteries, hepatic veins, and portal veins, via ultrasound examination. With Doppler ultrasonography, it is possible to detect some vascular disorders, blockages of vessels, and pathological conditions involving circulation in the organs of the abdomen. 

What is Abdomen Doppler? 

Abdomen doppler ultrasound employs high-frequency sound waves to evaluate blood flow through major abdominal vessels and detect blocks, turbulence or narrowing. It enables the seeing of blood circulation in the abdomen in real-time. 

Types of Abdomen Doppler 

• Colour Doppler Ultrasound: Provides an image of blood flow with colours 
• Spectral Doppler Analysis: Assessment of velocity and characteristics of the flow 
• Power Doppler Imaging: Allows detection of weak or slow blood flow 

Parameters Considered During Abdomen Doppler

• Estimate the speed of blood flow in the arteries and veins of the abdomen 
• Aneurysm or obstruction determination 
• Detection of aberrant flow patterns 
• Assessment of liver’s circulation with portal vein 

Reasons for Taking Abdomen Doppler

• Check a patient for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) 
• Find out if a person has portal hypertension 
• Identifying renal artery stenosis 
• Evaluation of vascular condition post-op 

When and Who Needs Abdomen Doppler? 

Indications: 

• Potential abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) 
• Symptoms of hypertension caused by renal artery stenosis 
• Liver disease with a possibility of portal hypertension 
• Abdominal pain or swelling that is not diagnosed 
• After vascular surgical procedures to follow the patient's condition 

Patient Demographics: 

• Patients suffering from high blood pressure or having renal issues 
• Patients suffering from prior history of vascular disease 
• People with undiagnosed abdominal pain 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Invasive and painless  
• Assists in prevention of vascular diseases 
• Helps in assessing blood flow instantly 
• Important for strategy formulation

Illnesses Diagnosed with Abdomen Doppler

• Abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA) 
• Stenosis of renal artery 
• Hypertension portal 
• Thrombosis of hepatic vein 
• Mesenteric ischemic 

Preparing for Abdomen Doppler

• Do not eat 6 to 8 hours prior for the best outcome.  
• Refrain from gassy or food that can expand the stomach 
• Dress in loose fitting clothes for convenience 

Pre-requisites 

• Not including any form of contrast medium or injections.  
• No pre-test medications are required 

Best Time to Take Abdomen Doppler 

• Followed as per doctor's instructions according to symptoms and risk factors.  
• Most done during the day after a patient has fasted overnight. 

Eligibility 

• Suitable for all age groups 
• Advisable for people with risk factors regarding the vascular system 

Procedure for Taking Abdomen Doppler 

• The patient will be asked to lie down on the examination table. 
• The abdomen is covered with a water-soluble gel. 
• An ultrasound probe is placed in the required part of the stomach. 
• The measurement of blood flow is taken using Doppler sound waves accompanied by searching for signs of pathology. 
• This can take between 30 to 45 minutes. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• Advise the technician of any history of vascular diseases 
• Maintain a calm posture to achieve the best image quality possible.