Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs is an ultrasound exam that assesses arterial circulation in the legs, analysing the arteries and blood flow in real time.
At NRD, in Lisbon, you can have your Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs performed in a clinical setting specialised in diagnostic imaging, with suitable technology for assessing arterial changes such as atheromatous plaques, vascular calcifications, narrowing of the arteries or peripheral arterial disease.
What is it and what is it used for?
Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs, also known as Arterial Doppler of the Lower Limbs, is an exam that combines conventional ultrasound with Doppler technology.
Ultrasound allows the arteries of the lower limbs to be visualised, while Doppler assesses the direction, speed and characteristics of blood flow. This makes it possible to identify arterial changes such as atherosclerotic plaques, vascular calcifications, narrowing or obstructions.
This exam is particularly useful for assessing whether blood is reaching the legs and feet adequately, helping with the diagnosis and follow-up of peripheral arterial disease and other changes in arterial circulation.
What is the price of Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs?
The price of Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs may vary depending on the agreement, subsystem, insurance or health plan used.
At NRD, this exam can be performed under different agreements and conventions:
- SNS / ARS: the patient pays no fee if the exam is performed at NRD with a prescription from the Health Centre;
- ADSE: the patient only pays the co-payment, usually €15;
- IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP;
- Insurance companies: Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vitória, Una Seguros, and other insurance companies;
- Health plans: Medicare, Saúde Prime, Continente Wells, and other health plans.
There is also a special price list for clinics with an agreement.
How is it performed?
To perform Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs, you may be asked to remove your trousers or skirt in order to expose the area of the legs to be examined, and to lie down on the examination couch.
A gel is applied directly to the skin or to the ultrasound probe to facilitate contact and improve image quality. The healthcare professional then moves the probe along the legs, assessing the arteries and blood flow.
During the exam, different arteries of the lower limbs are observed, and changes in flow velocity, signs of narrowing, obstruction or reduced arterial circulation may be assessed.
The exam is painless, does not use radiation and, once completed, you can resume your usual routine.
What does it detect?
Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs can detect and assess several changes in arterial circulation, including:
- atheromatous plaques;
- vascular calcifications;
- narrowing of the arteries;
- arterial obstructions;
- changes in blood flow velocity;
- signs of peripheral arterial disease;
- reduced arterial circulation in the legs or feet;
- arterial changes after surgery or previous vascular treatments.
This exam allows the doctor to understand whether there is any impairment of arterial circulation in the lower limbs and to guide the diagnosis, follow-up or need for appropriate treatment.
In which cases is it indicated?
Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs may be indicated when there are symptoms or signs suggesting changes in arterial circulation in the legs.
It is often recommended in cases of:
- leg pain when walking;
- tiredness or discomfort in the legs during walking;
- pain that improves with rest;
- cold feet or changes in foot temperature;
- changes in skin colour in the lower limbs;
- wounds on the feet or legs that heal slowly;
- suspected peripheral arterial disease;
- presence of atherosclerotic plaques or vascular risk factors;
- assessment before or after vascular treatments;
- follow-up of known arterial disease.
It may also be requested by your doctor to clarify persistent symptoms, assess the severity of an arterial change or monitor the progression of vascular disease.
Preparation for Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs
Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs is a simple, non-invasive exam that does not require any special preparation. However, to make the exam easier to perform and ensure an adequate assessment, you should take the following recommendations into account before your appointment.
| Topic | Recommendation |
| Exam prescription | You should bring the exam prescription in paper format, whenever applicable. |
| Fasting | Fasting is not required for this exam. |
| Clothing | Comfortable clothing that is easy to remove is recommended, as the legs will need to be exposed. |
| Creams or lotions | Whenever possible, avoid applying creams, oils or lotions to the legs on the day of the exam, to facilitate the ultrasound assessment. |
| Previous exams | You should bring any relevant previous exams, if available. |
| Usual medication | You should not stop taking your usual medication, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. |
| Early arrival | In general, it is enough to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled time, according to the instructions given when booking. |
| After the exam | You can resume your usual routine, with no need for special care. |
NRD will provide you with all the necessary instructions when booking your exam.
When and how do you receive the results?
You will receive the results of the Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs within 7 days after the exam, by email or on paper at the clinic.
On the day of the exam, you will be given the necessary information about how to collect or receive your results.
Where to do it?
Arterial Echo-Doppler of the Lower Limbs can be done at NRD, at the following address:
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 11-B, ground floor, 1070-060 Lisbon (next to Praça de Espanha)