Identify Arteries and Veins

Arteries and veins are abundant in the body. Both are prone to various diseases and identification of the diseased vessel is often necessary.



Disease of arteries include:

- atherosclerosis

- aneurysms

- narrowing

- rupture

- dissection- splitting of the vessel

Disease of veins include:

- blood clots

- varicose veins

- spider veins

- aneurysms

The diagnosis of veins and arteries can be done by several techniques including:

Doppler Ultrasound. This non invasive technique uses a small hand held probe to map of the artery or vein. It can visualize most vessels in the arms, neck and legs. It is not painful and fast. However, the technique is dependent on the technician ability to image the vessel. In most cases, this is the first test of choice for the identification of blood vessels.



CT scan: CT scans are excellent at imaging vessels all over the body. The technique does require the use of a dye and exposure to radiation. The procedure is excellent for imaging the large blood vessels everywhere, except the lower leg and arms. Todays latest CT scanners can perform the imaging in a matter of minutes. CT scans can not be used in pregnant females and those who have allergy to the dye.

Angiogram/Venogram: These older technique of imaging are still the gold standard for visualizing blood vessels all over the body. The technique requires injection of a dye through a groin vessel and x rays are obtained. One may require an overnight stay in the hospital after the procedure.

MRI: MRI is also an excellent technique for visualizing large blood vessels. It is however more expensive than the other tests. It does require the use of a non iodinate dye but there is no radiation exposure. MRI is usually not the test of first choice.