Imaging of deep vein thrombosis

Abstract

MRI has some specific advantages over duplex ultrasonography, but requires refinement before it can be used clinically. Venography or CT venography should be considered when duplex scanning is inadequate.

Deep vein thromboses in users of opioid drugs: incidence, prevalence, and risk factors

“…Doppler ultrasound may be inaccurate in diagnosing recurrent DVT 13 but, given both the reasonable rate of confirmation of suspected DVTs in the current study by imaging, and the evidence that a clinical diagnosis of DVT in this group is accurate, 3 the prevalence rate of 13.9% is likely to be robust.…”

Early thrombus removal strategies for acute deep venous thrombosis: Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum

“…45 Indirect CTV may be performed as part of imaging protocols for pulmonary embolism (PE) 46 and avoids the need for foot vein puncture in a swollen limb. Pooled analysis of 13 studies comparing CTV vs ultrasound imaging or venography (largely in patients presenting with symptoms of PE) showed an overall sensitivity and specificity of 95.9% and 95.2% for the detection of DVT.…”

Peripheral veins

“…Unfortunately, as the calf veins are only adequately visualised in 60-80% of patients at best, the accuracy of the technique is reduced for distal (calf vein) thrombosis. 43,44 Given the difficulties and added time needed for calf vein study, many institutions employ an alternative imaging strategy to that of direct calf vein visualisation. In patients with a negative scan of the femoral and popliteal veins at the time of clinical presentation, a repeat colour Doppler scan can be performed at any time up to 7 days.…”