David Lisle MBBS, FRACR Queensland Diagnostic Imaging, Brisbane Qld

Introduction
The roles of colour Doppler imaging (CDI) may be summarised as follows:

1. Assess vascularity of an organ or tissue. Increased vascularity in inflammation; reduced or absent vascularity in ischaemia or infarction.
2. Assess vascularity of masses, including 'mapping' of blood supply.
3. Increase sensitivity of tumour detection.
4. Differentiate cyst from ectatic artery or aneurysm.
5. Identify small arteries; help to sort out difficulty anatomy.
6. Help with biopsy guidance; direct needle away from large vessels and hypervascular areas.

In this article I will attempt to summarise and illustrate the various roles and uses of CDI in ultrasound (US) of the following organs and systems:

A. Thyroid gland
B. Prostate (TRUS)
C. Scrotum
D. Penis
E. Musculoskeletal system

Breast ultrasound is a large topic not addressed in this article.

Bulletin