Stories That Inspire Global Impact

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…

Compression ultrasound is a crucial vascular imaging technique, primarily used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This non-invasive method involves applying direct pressure with an ultrasound transducer to assess vein compressibility. Healthy veins readily collapse under pressure, whereas thrombosed (clot-filled) veins remain distended, indicating the presence of a clot. This real-time assessment helps differentiate DVT…

A non-compressible vein, a critical finding in vascular ultrasound, indicates the presence of an intraluminal thrombus (blood clot) preventing the vein from collapsing under direct transducer pressure. This lack of compressibility is the primary diagnostic criterion for acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening condition. Identifying a non-compressible vein is crucial for prompt diagnosis…

A thrombus, in the vascular context, is a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel or heart chamber, obstructing blood flow. In medical ultrasound, thrombi appear as echogenic (bright) masses within the vessel lumen, often causing partial or complete occlusion. Identifying and characterizing thrombi is crucial for diagnosing conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT)…

Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a critical vascular condition involving the formation of a fresh blood clot within a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. In medical and ultrasound diagnostics, recognizing acute DVT is paramount due to the significant risk of pulmonary embolism. Ultrasound plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis by…