Subclavian steal syndrome is a vascular condition where blood flow is “stolen” from the vertebral artery to supply the ipsilateral arm due to a proximal subclavian artery stenosis or occlusion. This can lead to symptoms like arm fatigue, dizziness, or syncope, particularly during exercise. In medical ultrasound, this phenomenon is identified by reversed or retrograde flow in the vertebral artery, a key diagnostic finding.
For vascular assessment, ultrasound is crucial for diagnosing subclavian steal. Doppler ultrasound can visualize the flow patterns and velocities, confirming the diagnosis and assessing the severity of the subclavian artery disease. Early detection through medical ultrasound allows for timely intervention, improving patient outcomes and preventing further complications.