duplex ultrasonography
Pronunciation: DOO-pleks ul-trah-son-OG-rah-fee
Non-invasive imaging technique combining B-mode ultrasound with Doppler flow assessment to evaluate blood vessels.
Full Definition
Duplex ultrasonography is a comprehensive non-invasive diagnostic imaging modality that combines gray-scale B-mode ultrasound imaging with Doppler flow analysis to assess both the structure and function of blood vessels. The B-mode component provides anatomical details of vessel walls, while the Doppler component measures blood flow velocity and direction. This technique is widely used in vascular medicine for screening peripheral arterial disease, evaluating carotid stenosis, assessing deep vein thrombosis, and monitoring vascular grafts. Color-flow duplex adds color mapping to visualize flow patterns, making it an essential tool for comprehensive vascular assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Specify anatomical location and findings when documenting duplex results.
In Context
- "Duplex ultrasonography demonstrated 60% stenosis of the right common carotid artery with elevated peak systolic velocities." — radiology report
- "The vascular laboratory performed bilateral lower extremity duplex ultrasonography to rule out deep vein thrombosis." — diagnostic procedure order