Vascular Ultrasound Statement from the Department of Cardiovascular Imaging of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology - 2019.

Abstract

1.1. Introduction The use of ultrasound (US) in Medicine started in the decade of 1940 and, since then, it has played a significant role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It is a diverse technology that follows the physical principles of propagation of US waves in different media. Due to its broad applicability, relatively low-cost, and reproducibility, US has a secure place in diagnostic aid. Members of the Department of Cardiovascular Imaging (DCI) - experts in vascular ultrasound (VUS) - prepared this guideline to indicate the best use of this technique, according to recommendations from the current medical literature. We included the main aspects related to equipment components, software, transducers, and their evolution since the last guideline, and addressed the most relevant topics in the field of diagnosis of vascular diseases. The foundation behind using VUS to diagnose important pathologies, such as carotid atherosclerotic disease, diseases in vertebral arteries, abdominal aorta and its branches, was based on recommendations from the DCI panel of experts in 2015 and 2016.1,2 This guideline does not aim to compare VUS with other imaging examination methods or expound on the use of VUS in the follow-up of vascular diseases after the initial diagnosis. For this content, the reader should consult more extensive and specific publications on the subject. Our goal is to disseminate the best practices in VUS to various services in the country, standardize the interpretation of examinations, and contribute to the proper use of this non-invasive, widely available, and low-cost tool.