Role of Doppler ultrasound studies in diagnosis of abdominal angina
- Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive test that evaluates the patency of and blood flow through the major mesenteric vessels. It should be performed while the patient is fasting and subsequently meal-stimulated.
- It is most helpful in diagnosing multivessel stenosis in suspected mesenteric angina by demonstrating narrowing or occlusion at a vessel origin and excessively turbulent flow.
- Of note, duplex ultrasound has limited capabilities in obese patients as ultrasound waves must pass through body tissue prior to producing a diagnostic image.
