Ultrasound of veins in the diagnosis of thrombosis

Abstract:

Suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common occurence in the emergency departments, and the ultrasound examination is a crucial diagnostic method. Compressional ultrasound is the basis of the exam, its core principle being a two-dimensional visualization of veins followed by the compression with the probe, which in case of the complete collapse of the vein excludes thrombosis on that spot. The exam is relatively simple from the technical and performance perspective and is easy to learn, though requiring some experience for autonomous performance. In this article we are presenting the diagnostic algorithm for the suspected DVT, basic examination techniques and approaches to the examination for the upper and lower leg deep veins, superficial leg veins and veins of the arms. At the end, we present possible other ultrasonographic findings in the context of the swollen leg when DVT has been excluded.

Key words:
deep vein thrombosis; diagnostic algorithm; compressional ultrasound