Non-invasive diagnostic techniques in deep vein thrombosis

Abstract

Patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities represent a diagnostic problem. In the general population approx. 1 out of 1000 subjects will develop deep vein thrombosis each year. In more than 50 percent of these patients, the diagnosis of venous thrombosis is not confirmed by objective testing (Haeger 1969, Cranley, Canos, Sull 1976). Therefore the reliance on clinical signs and symptoms, i.e. calf muscle tenderness, leg swelling, increased skin temperature, redness, and Homan’s sign will inevitably result in overtreatment of more than half of the symptomatic patient group. Moreover, treating these patients unnecessarily will expose them to the risks of anticoagulant therapy. For this reason, the use of objective diagnostic methods in each patient with clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis is mandatory (Hoek, Lensing, ten Cate et al 1989).