Spectrum of Findings in Lower Limb Doppler Ultrasonography in UBTH, Benin City

Abstract

Objectives: Doppler ultrasonography (USS) is a relatively new radiological procedure in our environment but gradually gaining recognition in assessment of lower limb pathologies. This study aims to assess the pattern of referrals for lower limb Doppler USS and the outcome of the procedure at the University of Benin teaching hospital
 Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out at the University of Benin teaching hospital, between January 2018 and June 2019. The request forms and Doppler scan results of patients done within this period were retrieved and relevant information were obtained and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences, version 23.
 Results: A total of 204 patients comprising of 125 females (61.3%) and 79 males (38.7%) were analyzed in this study. Mean age of study population was 55.25±17.02 years. The commonest indication for lower limb Doppler scan was leg swelling (70, 22.8%) while the least was peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (14, 4.6%) The commonest Doppler ultrasound finding was PAD (74, 44.3%), followed by DVT (39, 23.4%). The least findings on Doppler ultrasound of the lower limb was arterio-venous malformation (AV) malformation (1, 0.6%). Arterial wall calcification (100%) was the commonest Doppler finding in patients with PAD. DVT occurred more in the left lower limb (67.7%) than right limb (32.3%) and superficial femoral vein (27.8%) was most affected.
 Conclusion: This study has shown that Doppler scan is quite relevant in lower limb pathologies and peripheral artery disease is the commonest diagnosis in the lower limb.