Color Doppler ultrasound is a powerful technological invention that gives clinicians the ability to see blood flow in terms of both velocity and direction. Other types of Doppler, such as power Doppler, are even more sensitive and expand these capabilities even further. Adding color Doppler to 3D ultrasound examinations can provide clinicians with quick diagnostic answers to time-sensitive clinical questions, even enhancing safety in some cases.
But, how does a physician know when to add color or power Doppler ultrasound? It is not useful with every scan, but for some, it is central for a correct diagnosis in some cases. This FAQ article covers the use of color Doppler in a range of clinical situations — centering on the ovary.
- Which ovarian cancer ultrasound images are best for classifying tumors? While 2D and 3D ultrasound are good first steps in visually assessing adnexal masses, color Doppler ultrasound should be added so clinicians can look for vascularization and blood flow. Most tumors can be classified using the IOTA Simple Rules, but gynecologists may need to go further, using the ADNEX model, as well. Learn more about how the classification models help in diagnosing and classifying ovarian tumors.
- Is power Doppler better than conventional Doppler for assessing ovarian lesions? The IOTA classification system includes "vascularity" in its rules for diagnosing ovarian malignancies, so the use of Doppler is always important in assessing ovarian lesions. Power Doppler is more sensitive than conventional Doppler, making it better for visualizing early vascularization in distinguishing benign from malignant tumors.
- Is a whirlpool sign on ultrasound indicative of ovarian torsion? In patients with abdominal pain, seeing the whirlpool sign on ultrasound indicates the patient likely has an ovarian torsion. The presence of this sign, however, indicates the ovary is not yet necrotic. Using color Doppler in evaluating ovarian pain provides the diagnostic capability to determine whether a patient truly has a torsion, therefore enabling the physician to intervene more quickly — perhaps in time to save the ovary.
- Are there ways to minimize the risk of bleeding after oocyte retrieval? Needle aspiration during oocyte retrieval sometimes results in peritoneal or vaginal bleeding. By using 3D ultrasound with color Doppler, gynecologists may be able to better visualize blood vessels and other pelvic structures during the aspiration procedure. Although one study found that using color Doppler during oocyte retrieval did not eliminate bleeding, the authors noted that its use did not introduce additional risk.
Ultrasound is a great first-line tool because it is noninvasive and helps gynecologists provide rapid diagnostics without the need for additional referrals for imaging — at least initially. Ultrasound also has the ability to inform and guide needle placement during procedures, helping the physician avoid blood vessels and other organs.
Adding power or color Doppler to an ultrasound examination can supercharge these benefits, and add a few more.
