Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis and to determine the safety of withholding anticoagulant therapy in patients with negative ultrasonographic results.


METHODS
The MEDLINE database was searched for literature published from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 2000, that evaluated ultrasonography for the diagnosis of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis. Bibliographies of the retrieved articles were cross-checked to identify additional studies.


METHODS
All prospective English-language studies were selected. Retrospective studies, review articles, and case reports were excluded.


METHODS
Two of us (B.O.M. and S.W.R.) used predefined criteria to independently assess each study. Data on sensitivity and specificity and the associated 95% confidence intervals were recorded when available.


RESULTS
Only one study met all of the predefined criteria for adequately evaluating sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity of duplex ultrasonography ranged from 56% to 100%, and the specificity ranged from 94% to 100%. No study evaluated the safety of withholding anticoagulant therapy without additional testing in patients with negative ultrasonographic results.


CONCLUSIONS
The safety of withholding anticoagulant treatment in a patient with suspected upper extremity deep vein thrombosis and negative ultrasonographic results is uncertain.
Mustafa
Bisher O
BO
Department of Medicine, Room WP 3120, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 Stanton L. Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
Rathbun
Suman W
SW
Whitsett
Thomas L
TL
Raskob
Gary E
GE
D000925:Anticoagulants; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D000925:Anticoagulants