Accuracy of ultrasound two-point compression test in the diagnosis of lower limb deep vein thrombosis in emergency departments

Abstract

Abstract Background Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits. DVT is not a clinical diagnosis, and a definitive diagnosis requires imaging. Compression ultrasound (US) is a noninvasive tool for diagnosing DVT that is considered very precise. It takes place in two simple proximal points (femoral and popliteal) and depends on a complex assessment of the venous system’s compression ability. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate how accurate the US two-point compression test (2PCT) regarding diagnosis of lower limb DVT by emergency physicians in ED. Patients and methods This study was conducted on 50 patients with suspected DVT in Tanta University Emergency Hospital in a duration of 1 year on patients suspected to have DVT using Wells’ criteria, comparing the accuracy of 2PCT performed by emergency physicians and duplex US done by radiology physicians. Patients presented with suspected lower extremity DVT were recruited into this study. Results The sensitivity of 2PCT is 80%, specificity 80%, positive predictive value 90.32%, negative predictive value 63.16%, and the overall accuracy is 80%. Conclusion US performed by emergency physicians for the diagnosis of DVT can give accurate and reliable results. 2PCT test is a good tool in detecting DVT in EDs with an overall accuracy of 80%.