title: Diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
abstract: Diagnostic evaluation in the patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) includes a clear correlation between clinical probability, test selection and test interpretation. Real-time B-mode ultrasound with color Doppler remains the imaging technique of choice in suspected DVT. The ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) lung scan is the preferred diagnostic modality in suspected PE. The D-dimer assay may be useful in excluding PA. New diagnostic techniques, including spiral computerized tomography may further modify the diagnostic algorithm.
authors.affiliation: Center for the Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis*