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A triphasic waveform in vascular ultrasound indicates healthy arterial blood flow, characterized by three distinct phases: rapid forward flow during systole, transient flow reversal in early diastole, and a second brief forward flow component in late diastole. This pulsatile pattern is commonly seen in peripheral arteries, reflecting a high-resistance vascular bed with competent arterial walls.…

The resistive index (RI) is a Doppler ultrasound measurement used in vascular studies to assess downstream vascular resistance. It quantifies the pulsatility of blood flow, calculated as (peak systolic velocity - end-diastolic velocity) / peak systolic velocity. A higher RI value indicates increased resistance, which can signify conditions like arterial stenosis or downstream obstruction, impacting…

In vascular ultrasound, a biphasic waveform is a crucial Doppler flow pattern indicating healthy arterial blood flow. This waveform typically presents with two distinct phases: an initial strong antegrade (forward) flow during systole, followed by a brief, transient reversal of flow in early diastole. This characteristic pattern is indicative of a normal, elastic arterial system…

The Pulsatility Index (PI) is a key metric in vascular ultrasound, quantifying the degree of pulsatility in blood flow. It's calculated as the peak systolic velocity minus the end diastolic velocity, divided by the mean velocity. A higher PI indicates more pulsatile flow, often seen in arteries with less resistance downstream, while a lower PI…

In vascular ultrasound, a monophasic waveform describes a Doppler signal exhibiting a single phase of flow, often indicating significant arterial disease. This pattern lacks the characteristic triphasic or biphasic components of healthy vessels, where blood flow reverses during diastole. Its presence suggests severe stenosis or occlusion, as the vessel struggles to maintain adequate distal perfusion,…

Arterial dissection, in vascular ultrasound, refers to a critical condition where a tear occurs in the inner lining of an artery, allowing blood to flow between the layers of the arterial wall. This creates a false lumen, compressing the true lumen and potentially impeding blood flow to vital organs. Early detection via ultrasound is crucial…

Venous reflux, central to vascular health, occurs when valves in veins weaken or fail, causing blood to flow backward, typically in the legs. This dysfunctional flow, rather than moving towards the heart, pools in the lower extremities, increasing pressure and leading to conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and swelling. Understanding venous reflux is…

Venous obstruction refers to a blockage in a vein, impeding normal blood flow back to the heart. This condition can be caused by blood clots (thrombosis), external compression from tumors or masses, or structural abnormalities, leading to symptoms like swelling, pain, and skin discoloration. In vascular medicine, timely diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications such…

Iliac vein compression, within the vascular context, refers to the narrowing or compression of the iliac vein, often the left common iliac vein, by an overlying artery, typically the right common iliac artery. This anatomical impingement can impede venous blood flow, leading to various clinical manifestations such as leg swelling, pain, and an increased risk…