Liquid crystal thermography as a screening test for deep-vein thrombosis.
The accuracy of liquid crystal colour thermography and clinical examination was compared with that of X-ray venography in 80 patients clinically suspected of having unilateral, lower-limb, deep-vein thrombosis. The clinical examination was not helpful in diagnosis. Of the 35 patients with confirmed deep-vein thrombosis, 34 had a positive thermogram, giving a sensitivity of 97%. 17 false-positive thermograms gave a specificity of 62%. The predictive value of a negative thermogram was 96.5%. Liquid crystal colour thermography is a quick, inexpensive, non-invasive investigation that might be useful as a screening test in patients suspected of having unilateral, lower-limb, deep-vein thrombosis. A diagnostic scheme starting with liquid crystal thermography and followed by 99mTc venoscanning might obviate the need for X-ray venography in almost 80% of patients with suspected deep-vein thrombosis.
Sandler
D A
DA
Martin
J F
JF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography; D013817:Thermography; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging