ABSTRACT
Clinically significant thromboembolic disease originating from the paralyzed legs of hemiplegic patients can occur unexpectedly and may affect morbidity and mortality of such patients. Doppler and Duplex sonography, are simple noninvasive techniques, that can accurately reveal deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs. Doppler and Duplex examination were performed on the lower extremities of 40 hemiplegic patients suffering from cerebrovascular stroke. The study showed that 25% of patients [10 of 40 patients] had evidence of deep leg vein thrombosis. 9 cases were detected in the paralyzed limbs, forming an incidence of 22.5%. Six were acute [15%] abd 3 chronic [7.5%]. One case was detected in the non-paretic limb, with an incidence of 2.5%. Patients in the age group of 60-70 years showed the highest incidence of phlebothrombosis, and increased incidence was also shown in patients with poor or no muscle power of the affected limb. It was concluded that Doppler and Duplex imaging can be successfully used in the early detection of DVT in high risk hemiplegic patient, thus leading to prompt medical management, and may reduce morbidity and mortality