Does a venous Doppler exam also check for arterial dieseases?

I know there is vein disease and arterial diseases that can cause leg pain. When someone has a duplex ultrasound done are the arteries and veins both checked for issues?

Answers from doctors (9)


Center for Vein Care and Surgery

Published on Apr 10, 2013

Generally, a venous study does not include evaluation of the arteries. However, in some cases, the technologist may notice calcified arteries during the venous exam. These findings should be considered by the physician and compared to the patient's complaint and physical exam. If there is concern for arterial disease, then an arterial study that evaluates the perfusion pressure of the legs should be performed to assess the patient's complaints. Ankle Brachial Indexes that compare the upper extremity blood pressure to the lower extremity pressure will be assessed. The wave patterns of the arteries also can detect abnormalities and will be noted on the arterial study. The history and physical exam prior to any study can help guide the physician to make the proper diagnosis and ordering of tests. Exercise induced pain, decreased foot pulses, cold toes and skin color change could signify arterial disease and warrant an arterial study. In contrast, varicose veins, cramping, and swelling with good pulses indicates the need for a venous study.

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Answered by Center for Vein Care and Surgery

Generally, a venous study does not include evaluation of the arteries. However, in some cases, the technologist may notice calcified arteries during the venous exam. These findings should be considered by the physician and compared to the patient's complaint and physical exam. If there is concern for arterial disease, then an arterial study that evaluates the perfusion pressure of the legs should be performed to assess the patient's complaints. Ankle Brachial Indexes that compare the upper extremity blood pressure to the lower extremity pressure will be assessed. The wave patterns of the arteries also can detect abnormalities and will be noted on the arterial study. The history and physical exam prior to any study can help guide the physician to make the proper diagnosis and ordering of tests. Exercise induced pain, decreased foot pulses, cold toes and skin color change could signify arterial disease and warrant an arterial study. In contrast, varicose veins, cramping, and swelling with good pulses indicates the need for a venous study.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Feb 19, 2013

Both Doppler and duplex ultrasound can check either arteries or veins. Which ones are checked depends on what is indicated for each patient.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Both Doppler and duplex ultrasound can check either arteries or veins. Which ones are checked depends on what is indicated for each patient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Feb 13, 2013

No. A venous Doppler, as the name implies, is strictly a test confined to the venous system.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

No. A venous Doppler, as the name implies, is strictly a test confined to the venous system.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Feb 12, 2013

It would be something that is requested by you and/or your physician. A typical venous ultrasound checks the superficial veins and the deep veins for reflux. If there is concern for arterial disease, then talking with your primary care doctor would be wise. He/She can recommend a physician to see if there is concern.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It would be something that is requested by you and/or your physician. A typical venous ultrasound checks the superficial veins and the deep veins for reflux. If there is concern for arterial disease, then talking with your primary care doctor would be wise. He/She can recommend a physician to see if there is concern.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 12, 2013

No. A venous exam looks at that system and an arterial exam looks at arteries.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

No. A venous exam looks at that system and an arterial exam looks at arteries.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 11, 2013

No, the arteries are checked with a different test. Your medical history should guide which test is the best for you.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

No, the arteries are checked with a different test. Your medical history should guide which test is the best for you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 11, 2013

Arterial and venous duplex scans are two completely separate tests.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Arterial and venous duplex scans are two completely separate tests.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Feb 11, 2013

Most of the time the legs are checked for one problem (either veins or arteries). However, they can both be done at the same time. It will require more time and proper scheduling.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Most of the time the legs are checked for one problem (either veins or arteries). However, they can both be done at the same time. It will require more time and proper scheduling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Feb 11, 2013

No, a venous doppler exam does not check for arterial diseases.

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

No, a venous doppler exam does not check for arterial diseases.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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