Thoracic Outlet and Raynaud's Testing

Doppler sonography (sound measurements to measue blood flow) and Duplex imaging (two-dimensional ultrasound images of structures in the body) can be used to help physicians rule out the following conditions:

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: a group of disorders that affect the nerves that pass into the arms and legs

Raynaud's Disease: constriction of small vessels that supply blood to the fingers and toes, causing hands and feet to feel unusually cold

To perform the exam, a vascular technologist will apply a gel-like lotion to your arms or legs and then will move a probe (sensor or transducer) across your skin as high-frequency sound waves transmit images of your blood vessels and the volume (amount) of blood flowing through them. The swishing noise you hear is the sound of blood as it flows through the blood vessels. The exam is painless and harmless.

In addition to the arterial Doppler Ultrasound of your arms, special exams may be performed to determine the presence of arterial blockage.

To rule out Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, you also will be asked to perform a series of arm movements (maneuvers). A sensor taped to your finger will assess the amount of blood flow in the arteries.

To rule out Raynaud’s Syndrome, you also will be asked to perform a cold exposure exam, during which your blood pressure is taken before and after immersing your hand in cold water.

Your test results will be sent to your referring physician who will discuss the findings with you and review treatment options.