US evaluation of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity

The sensitivity of US for detecting lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was prospectively compared with contrast venography in 53 patients. Sonographically visible thrombi and abnormal vein compressibility were 91% sensitive for DVT of the common femoral vein and 94% sensitive for DVT of the superficial femoral or popliteal veins, with no false-positive examinations. Abnormal Doppler US findings and an abnormal response of the common femoral vein to the Valsalva maneuver were only indicative of thrombi in the common femoral and iliac veins. Combined data allowed accurate diagnoses in all patients with DVT proximal to the deep calf veins. These results suggest that US is a sensitive screening modality for lower extremity DVT