title: [Duplex sonography of the popliteal vein using physiologic conditions and following intravenous administration of dihydroergotamine].
abstract: Accurate assessment of blood flow velocities and diameter measurements in veins are possible by duplex-scanning. We used the technique for the measurement of venous blood flow velocity under different physiological conditions and after the administration of dihydroergotamine (DHE). In 15 healthy subjects (mean age 30.4 years) diameter, peak and mean flow velocity of the popliteal vein were measured in lying and standing position before and after intravenous administration of 1 mg DHE. Mean diameter of the popliteal vein was 0.62 +/- 0.06 cm in the recumbent position and was significantly larger in the erect position (0.84 +/- 0.1 cm). Peak flow velocity was 17.4 +/- 4.9 cm/s, mean flow velocity 6.0 +/- 2.4 cm/s in the recumbent subjects. There was a significant decrease (p less than 0.001) of both velocity parameters in erect position. DHE causes a significant (p less than 0.001) decrease in diameter of the popliteal vein (14.5%) at rest and the enlargement was less (p less than 0.001) marked when the subject got up. After DHE administration a statistically insignificant increase in peak and mean flow velocity at rest and a significant (p less than 0.001) increase in mean flow velocity in the upright position was observed. In addition DHE induced a more pulsatile venous flow. This finding may be of importance in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. Our results show that duplex-scanning allows precise assessment of venous blood flow velocities under different conditions. The technique is useful for direct measurement of the efficacy of vein active drugs.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eichlisberger
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Huber
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jäger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects; D004087:Dihydroergotamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011152:Popliteal Vein / Q000187:drug effects; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D004087:Dihydroergotamine
vernacular_title: Duplex-Sonographie der Vena poplitea unter physiologischen Bedingungen und nach intravenöser Gabe von Dihydroergotamin (DHE).