We offer individual or combined internal medicine ultrasound examinations. These are performed by a certified sonographer and interpreted by a specialist. The detailed discussion of the findings usually takes place with your referring physician. However, if you would like a comprehensive discussion of the findings and medical consultation at our practice, please book an appointment separately.
Individual examinations can be booked online. If you require multiple or a combination of ultrasound examinations, as well as a medical consultation, please contact us by phone or email.
Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound):
Echocardiography is the most important non-invasive cardiological examination. High-resolution echocardiography allows for the painless and rapid detection of heart valve diseases, cardiomyopathies, previous circulatory disorders, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and many other heart and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, echocardiography is one of the most important diagnostic tools for monitoring the health of patients with heart disease. The advantages of this examination include the risk-free visualization of cardiac function and the quick and painless procedure. A disadvantage of echocardiography is its limited accuracy in detecting minor circulatory disorders (angina pectoris). In such cases, additional examinations are often necessary. Echocardiography requires no special preparation.
Ultrasound of the carotid and vertebral arteries (carotid duplex sonography, vertebral duplex sonography):
During the examination of the carotid and vertebral arteries using high-resolution color-coded ultrasound, the anterior carotid and posterior vertebral arteries can be analyzed along their course from their exit from the aorta to their entry into the skull. The examination pursues two goals: First, this area is by far the most affected by circulatory disorders of the cerebral vessels – up to one-third of strokes are caused by narrowing of the carotid arteries in this region. Ultrasound examination allows these narrowings to be detected and measured in time, and, if necessary, treated before a stroke occurs. Since most strokes occur without warning symptoms, we routinely recommend a carotid ultrasound examination as a screening tool to identify risk factors early. Patients who have already suffered a stroke or even a minor stroke should also undergo a carotid ultrasound examination as soon as possible to identify narrowing of the carotid arteries as the cause and, if necessary, to initiate prompt treatment before another stroke occurs. Second, the carotid artery ultrasound examination serves as an “indicator vessel” for the early detection of vascular disease in the human body. Measuring the intima-media thickness (IMT) allows for an assessment of cardiovascular risk. For example, carotid artery examination helps determine a patient’s cardiovascular risk and whether early treatment is necessary. Sometimes, based on the ultrasound examination, further investigation using cross-sectional imaging (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography) is recommended. An ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries is painless, non-invasive, and requires no preparation.
Ultrasound of the leg arteries (duplex sonography of the pelvic and leg arteries):
Color-coded duplex sonography of the pelvic and leg arteries can diagnose vascular diseases of the leg arteries and circulatory disorders known as intermittent claudication, peripheral artery disease, or diabetic foot, and, if necessary, initiate treatment. During the examination, the iliac, femoral, and lower leg arteries are measured and analyzed for signs of disease and circulatory disturbances. Early diagnosis and treatment of arterial disease in the legs aims to prevent progression to critical circulatory disorders, which can lead to leg amputations in high-risk patients with pre-existing vascular diseases or diabetes. The advantages of the examination: it is completely painless and can be performed quickly, without any risk to the patient. Sometimes, based on the findings of the ultrasound examination, additional cross-sectional imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography) are ordered, especially when planning vascular surgery. Performing an ultrasound examination of the pelvic and leg vessels is painless and requires no preparation.
Ultrasound of the leg veins (duplex sonography of the pelvic and leg veins):
Ultrasound examination of the deep leg veins can be used to diagnose or rule out venous thrombosis. Thromboses are caused by blood clots in the veins, causing pain and swelling in the leg. These clots can break off and travel to the pulmonary veins, where they cause a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal complication. Leg vein ultrasound is now considered the standard for ruling out deep or superficial vein thrombosis. Furthermore, performing a venous ultrasound is a prerequisite for planning any major vein surgery—be it varicose vein stripping, radiofrequency ablation, or laser sclerotherapy of large varicose veins. Only in the case of cosmetic sclerotherapy of small, superficial veins (“spider veins”) can a duplex ultrasound be omitted beforehand. An ultrasound examination of the pelvic and leg vessels is painless and requires no preparation.
Abdominal ultrasound (sonography):
An abdominal ultrasound examination allows for the examination of all internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, bladder, aorta, lymph nodes, and even the intestines. This is important for preventative care and an essential component in the diagnosis of abdominal complaints or diseases of the aforementioned organs. Abdominal ultrasound also plays a crucial role in patients with high blood pressure or diabetes, enabling the early detection of organ damage. To ensure optimal viewing conditions during your abdominal ultrasound, please arrive on an empty stomach (no food for 4 to 6 hours) and avoid gas-producing foods the day before your appointment.
Thyroid Ultrasound (Thyroid Gland Sonography):
The thyroid gland is a small, soft organ located in front of the trachea. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in overall metabolism. The thyroid gland requires iodine, among other nutrients, to produce these hormones. Since iodine levels in our diets in Austria and several other countries are often insufficient, the thyroid gland is frequently unable to function properly. It then begins to grow in an attempt to absorb more iodine. Based on such initially simple thyroid enlargements (goiter = struma), further thyroid diseases can develop over the course of years and decades: with and without nodules (one nodule = uninodular goiter, multiple nodules = multinodular goiter) with and without functional impairment rarely, malignant changes may also occur. Regardless of thyroid enlargement, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroiditis may be present. As with all diseases, the prerequisite for successful treatment is diagnosis, to which sonography makes a valuable contribution.
Ultrasound examinations: Preparation and duration Please come to your abdominal ultrasound on an empty stomach. No preparation is necessary for any other ultrasound examinations. Each ultrasound takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Costs: The cost for a single examination is € 165 (Thyroid Ultrasound € 120). The invoice can be submitted to your existing private outpatient health insurance.
Individual ultrasound examinations can be booked online. If you require multiple or a combination of ultrasound examinations, or if you would like a detailed discussion of the findings and medical advice after the ultrasound examination, please contact us by phone or email.
Email to: https://www.imed19-privat.at/otfib/