Diagnosis of acute deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities: prospective evaluation of color Doppler flow imaging versus venography.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of color Doppler flow imaging in identification of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the femoropopliteal system without use of venous compression.


METHODS
Color Doppler flow imaging was compared with venography in 103 lower extremities in 101 patients. Results of each examination were recorded as positive or negative for acute DVT or consistent with chronic DVT.


RESULTS
Color Doppler flow imaging in 97 of 103 cases had a sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 99%, positive and negative predictive values of 95% and 99%, respectively, and accuracy of 98% in detection of acute DVT and was also helpful in differentiation of chronic from acute DVT. Color Doppler flow imaging prospectively identified six of eight patients with chronic DVT and correctly identified acute DVT in two patients with underlying chronic DVT. No results were false-positive for acute DVT in a patient with chronic DVT.


CONCLUSIONS
Color Doppler flow imaging is complementary to compression ultrasonography in evaluation of suspected acute DVT and may be helpful in evaluation of suspected DVT in patients with previous or chronic DVT.
Lewis
B D
BD
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
James
E M
EM
Welch
T J
TJ
Joyce
J W
JW
Hallett
J W
JW
Weaver
A L
AL
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography