Unexpected Doppler findings in the arteries of the lower extremity may be found during a routine noninvasive vascular examination. Low-resistive Doppler arterial waveforms in the external iliac and femoral arteries are abnormal and often indicators of proximal high-grade stenosis. Occasionally, other medical conditions could also cause anomalous low-resistive arterial waveforms in the arteries of lower extremities. Detailed knowledge of vascular anatomy, careful sonographic scanning, and meticulous analysis of Doppler waveforms in all examined vessels are paramount for adequate examination and reporting. Vascular sonographers should consider different clinical scenarios whenever abnormal Doppler waveforms are detected.
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