The role of colour Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of lower limb Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome

Abstract

To investigate the accuracy of colour Doppler sonography as compared to phlebography in patients with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (KTS). From September 2004 to May 2012, 59 consecutive patients seen in Shandong medical imaging research institute with a clinical suggestion of KTS were included. Thirty-four were female and 25 were male, with a mean age of 28.4 years. Colour Doppler sonography was used to assess the lower limb veins. The main sonographic criteria for a positive diagnosis were visualization of the lateral vein or sciatic vein, capillary haemangioma, and abnormality of the deep veins. These data were compared with phlebography findings. The κ statistic was used to determine the level of agreement. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of colour Doppler sonography as a diagnostic test were assessed. Colour Doppler sonography findings were positive in 21 of 59 patients with a clinical suggestion of KTS. The diagnosis was confirmed using phlebography in 22 patients. There were two false-positive results and one false-negative result by colour Doppler sonography. The κ-value was 0.892. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy for colour Doppler sonography were 95.4, 94.6, 91.3, 97.2, and 94.9%, respectively. Colour Doppler sonography is an accurate, reliable, and non-invasive investigation in the assessment of patients with suspected KTS.