Role of Color Flow Ultrasound in Detection of Deep Venous Thrombosis

Abstract

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs is one of the most causes for the majority of death caused by pulmonary embolism. Many medical and surgical disorders are complicated by DVT. Most venous thrombi are clinically silent. B-mode and color Doppler imaging is needed for early diagnosis of DVT to prevent complications and squeal of DVT.Aim and objectives: the objectives of our study were to evaluate the role of color flow Doppler in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and subsequently to investigate its diagnostic value in patients who have normal deep veins despite symptoms.Patients and methods: prospective cross sectional study of 50 patients, 32 patients male, 18female, diagnosed on Doppler with DVTResults: Color Doppler flow imaging in 50 cases had sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 96.7%, positive predictive value of 94.7%, negative predictive value of 93.5%, and accuracy rate of 94%, with majority belonging to fifth decade (26%). In our study, predominantly distribution of thrombus was found to be in above knee region with (65.63%), while only 34.38% of them had DVT below knee.Conclusion: Color Doppler is useful in diagnosing DVT in symptomatic and at risk patients and provides non- invasive method of investigation. It is also helpful in evaluating the site, extent and stage of thrombus.

Keywords: Color flow duplex venous examination, deep venous thrombosis, duplex scanning, pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism