Arterial Doppler ultrasound of the legs and arms

An arterial Doppler ultrasound examines the arteries of the legs (lower limbs) or arms (upper limbs). The ultrasound shows the artery walls and any plaques; the Doppler measures the speed of blood flow and detects narrowed (stenosed) or blocked segments. Depending on the referral, it is performed by a cardiologist, an angiologist (a doctor specialising in blood vessels) or a radiologist. It is mainly requested for peripheral arterial disease of the legs: pain in the calf or thigh that comes on when walking and eases when you stop, cold feet, or a wound that heals poorly. It is also part of the check-up for people at risk (diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure). The test is often completed by measuring the ankle-brachial pressure index: blood pressure is taken at the ankle and at the arm, and comparing the two gives information about the circulation in the legs. No injection is needed.