The diagnosis of CVI is made primarily by physical examination. The accuracy of physical examination can be further improved with the aid of an instrument called a hand-held Doppler instrument. This allows the examiner to listen to the blood flow. The most accurate and detailed test, however is a venous duplex ultrasound exam. This provides an ultrasound image or picture of the vein so that any blockage caused by blood clots or improper vein value function can be detected. A CAT scan or MRI may be used to exclude other causes of leg swelling. These diagnostic tests are painless.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency section was last modified: April 16, 2008 - 01:26 pm