Noninvasive imaging for deep venous thrombosis

Abstract

In 96 patients, 127 extremities were identified by duplex ultrasonography as having acute deep venous thrombosis. The majority of these patients were found to have factors that predisposed them to thrombi formation. Doppler examination correlated with the duplex results in 77 extremities (61 percent). Two factors were identified that led to discrepancies between the results of these two modalities: (1) Thrombi that were more proximally located and totally occlusive were more likely to result in abnormal Doppler results than those that were not. (2) Doppler examination of the deep venous system of the lower extremities, although more accurate than clinical evaluation, was of insufficient accuracy to make correct decisions regarding the need for anticoagulation.