The diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.
The diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is critical to emergency physicians because of the risk of pulmonary embolism. This article reviews the diagnostic modalities available for patients with suspected lower extremity DVT. The use of compression ultrasonography and the recent advances in the D-dimer assays are emphasized. A clinical algorithm that utilizes a non invasive approach to this potentially life threatening disease is presented.
Rosen
C L
CL
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Tracy
J A
JA
D000465:Algorithms; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010690:Phlebography; D010992:Plethysmography, Impedance; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods
D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C036309:fibrin fragment D