Ultrasound in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis

In a prospective study ultrasonography (US) was compared with venography for diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the leg. Using venography, thrombosis was demonstrated in 25 patients. Based on two criteria, non-compressible vein and intraluminal echoes, US showed thrombosis in 23 patients, i.e. the sensitivity was 92%. Isolated calf vein thrombosis was demonstrated in 2 out 4 patients. In 18% of the patients with negative venography, other pathological conditions were demonstrated by US, (i.e. Baker's cysts, calf vein hematomas and superficial calf vein thrombosis) which could explain the clinical condition. Venography is a somewhat costly procedure. The cost of film and non-ionic contrast medium is approximately NOK 400, while the cost of film for an US examination is about NOK 10