What information can be obtained from the spectral Doppler waveform of a vessel?
A spectral Doppler waveform of a vessel contains both quantitative and qualitative information regarding blood flow in the interrogated vessel. Quantitative measurements include absolute velocities (peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity [EDV]), velocity ratios, and acceleration times. Qualitative measurements include the shape of the waveform and spectral broadening (a sign of turbulent flow; when normal blood flow is disturbed, blood has a wider range of velocities).
