role of colored duplex sonography in detection of deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity

ABSTRACT

Color doppler U.S. imaging was used to evaluate 110 patients with suspected lower extremity venous thrombosis. They were complaining of pain, tenderness and swelling. Occlusive and non occlusive venous thrombi were detected in 52 patients [47 percent] either in external iliac, femoral, popliteal or leg veins. The veins lower limbs were examined by a combination of B-mode Duplex sonography with color flow mapping which can give very accurate information about patency of veins and their blood flow. It can visualize venous thrombi which are partially or totally occluding the venous lumen. Compressibility of the veins under pressure and augmentation of venous blood flow with muscle compression were very accurate signs about the patency of lower limb veins. Out of 52 patients with deep vein thrombosis, 6 patients had external iliac vein thrombosis, 21 patients had femoral vein thrombosis, 18 patients had popliteal vein thrombosis and 7 patients had thrombosis of leg veins. Duplex ultrasound has demonstrated its utility and efficacy in the diagnosis and follow-up of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity beside its availability for repeated follow up examinations