Doppler Ultrasound
- How it works Uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blood movement.
- Pros
- No radiation, safe even for pregnant women
- Painless, no needles or contrast agents required
- Provides real-time images of blood flow
- Affordable
- Cons
- Cannot see structures deep within the body or obscured by bone
- May be affected by external factors such as patient movement
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- How it works Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images
- Pros
- Provides very high-resolution images, showing detailed tissue structures
- Does not use X-rays
- Cons
- Takes longer to complete, may require lying still in the MRI machine for an extended period
- Relatively expensive
- Not suitable for people with metal implants or certain medical devices
CT scan (Computed Tomography)
- How it works Uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body
- Pros
- Provides high-resolution images, clearly showing the structure of blood vessels and organs
- Cons
- Uses X-rays, may have minor side effects
- Relatively expensive
- May require injection of contrast agents
Angiogram
- How it works Injects a contrast agent into blood vessels and then uses X-rays to visualize them
- Pros
- Provides very detailed images of blood vessels, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning
- Cons
- Carries risks from contrast agent injection and catheterization
- Expensive
Which One to Choose?
- Doppler Ultrasound Ideal for initial screening, monitoring, and assessing blood flow in vessels and the heart
- MRI Suitable for examining detailed tissue and organ structures
- CT scan Suitable for visualizing the structure of blood vessels and organs
- Angiogram Suitable for diagnosing and planning treatment for complex vascular diseases