Venous Ultrasound of the Upper or Lower Extremities is a non-invasive, painless imaging test that uses Doppler and B-mode ultrasound to evaluate the veins in the arms (upper extremity) or legs (lower extremity). This exam is primarily used to detect deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a blood clot within a deep vein—as well as assess venous insufficiency, valve function, and blood flow abnormalities.

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What Does This Ultrasound Evaluate?

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• Presence or absence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Location and extent of blood clots

• Venous reflux or chronic venous insufficiency (in cases of leg swelling, varicose veins, or skin changes)

• Vein patency and compressibility

• Post-thrombotic syndrome or follow-up after anticoagulation therapy

• Evaluation of arm veins in patients with central lines, pacemakers, or unexplained arm swelling

 

Benefits of Venous Ultrasound

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• No radiation or contrast – completely safe and well-tolerated

• Rapid and accurate diagnosis of DVT, reducing the risk of life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism

• Real-time imaging allows dynamic assessment of blood flow and vein function

• Guides treatment decisions, including anticoagulation, compression therapy, or referral for vascular intervention.

 

This test is widely recommended by clinical guidelines (including those from the American College of Radiology and the American Heart Association) as the first-line imaging modality for suspected DVT and chronic venous disease.

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