Are There Any Limitations to an Arterial Ultrasound?
While a valuable diagnostic tool, arterial ultrasounds do have some limitations. One potential limitation is their ability to detect very small blockages or those located deep within the artery wall. The sound waves used in an ultrasound might not penetrate deeply enough to visualize these types of blockages. Additionally, arterial ultrasounds primarily assess blood flow velocity and the diameter of the arterial lumen (opening). In some cases, they might not provide a complete picture of blood flow, particularly in arteries with irregular shapes or where plaque buildup is complex.
If an arterial ultrasound raises suspicion of a blockage but the images aren't entirely conclusive, or if the doctor suspects a blockage in a deeper artery not easily visualized by ultrasound, other imaging tests might be recommended. These could include a CT angiogram, which uses X-rays and contrast dye to create detailed cross-sectional images of arteries, or an angiogram, a specialized X-ray procedure that involves injecting contrast dye directly into the artery to visualize blood flow and identify any blockages.
