Deep vein versus pseudo deep vein thrombosis: the role of imaging techniques in differential diagnosis and management.
An acutely swollen, painful calf is usually caused by deep vein thrombosis or pseudo deep vein thrombosis; however, the differential diagnosis and management of these 2 entities can prove difficult and even hazardous unless a careful, systematic approach is used. This article describes the use of 2 invasive techniques (ascending venography and arthrography) and several noninvasive methods (magnetic resonance imaging, computerized axial tomography, and non-Doppler ultrasound) to differentiate between deep vein thrombosis and pseudo deep vein thrombosis. The author discusses a practical, cost-effective approach to diagnosing and managing the acutely swollen, painful calf.
Ansari
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Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Section), Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.