Plethysmography
A plethysmography test is performed by placing blood pressure cuffs on the extremities to measure the systolic pressure. The cuffs are then attached to a pulse volume recorder (plethysmograph) that displays each pulse wave. The test compares the systolic blood pressure of the lower extremity to the upper extremity, to help rule out disease that blocks the arteries in the extremities.
Also known as: Respiratory inductance plethysmography and Penile pulse volume recording
Definition
Plethysmography is a test used to measure changes in volume in different parts of the body. These changes in volume help check blood flow in many body parts. This test may be done to check for blood clots in the arms and legs, or to measure how much air you can hold in your lungs.
Penile pulse volume recording is a type of plethysmography done on the penis to check for causes of erectile dysfunction.
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References
Lue TF, Broderick GA. Evaluation and nonsurgical management of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 22.
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Test
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped, and the size and flexibility of the arteries. Blood pressure is continually changing depending on ...
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Disease
Deep venous thrombosis
Deep venous thrombosis is the formation of a in a vein that is deep inside a part of the body, usually the legs.
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Disease
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the eye’s retina that occurs with long-term diabetes. See also:
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Disease
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens (forms calcium deposits), and may eventually block the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis. The two terms are often used to mean the same thing.
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Test
Lung plethysmography
Lung plethysmography is a test used to measure how much air you can hold in your lungs. See also:
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Disease
Blood clots
Blood clots are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid. A blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel or within the heart and stays there is called a thrombus. A thrombus that breaks loose and travels from one location in the body to another is called an embolus. The ...
- Review date:
- November 21, 2010
- Reviewed by:
- David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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