Role of colour Doppler in evaluation of venous abnormalities of lower limb

ABSTRACT

Background: Venous abnormalities of lower limb are a fairly common cause of morbidity. Although clinical diagnosis is the cornerstone of the diagnosis of lower limb venous disease, Colour Doppler ultrasound has become the investigation of choice to confirm the diagnosis. This study evaluated the role of Colour Doppler ultrasound in various venous pathologies of the lower limb and the sonographic findings were correlated with surgical and clinical findings.Methods: 100 patients of all age groups of either sex presenting with clinically suspected entities affecting venous system of the lower limb were selected for this study.Results: Our study showed a definite male preponderance (65%) with an incidence of 41% in the age group of 21-40 years. Isolated varicose veins had an incidence of 58% followed by isolated deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (29%), varicose veins with thrombophlebitis (5%), DVT with thrombophlebitis (5%), DVT with varicose veins (2%) and hematoma (1%). The findings correlated with surgery and gave a sensitivity of 100%.Conclusions: Colour Doppler ultrasound is unique due to its feasibility, accessibility and cost effectiveness. Its dynamism is also exploited by various maneuvers done by the patients, radiologist and the machine parameters to bring about changes in blood flow to reach the exact diagnosis.