The swollen leg: is it deep vein thrombosis? The experience of a tertiary referral center in Sri Lanka.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The role played by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as a cause of leg swelling in Sri Lanka is unknown. PURPOSE: To study the prevalence of proximal DVT, value of risk factors and clinical features and attitudes of clinicians towards diagnosis and treatment of DVT among those presenting with leg swelling as the main complaint. DESIGN: Prospective consecutive referrals to the University Surgical Unit, Colombo, over 10 months starting in January 1998. INCLUSION CRITERIA DVT suspects with swollen legs. EXCLUSION CRITERIA Varicose veins, leg ulceration and generalized oedema. METHODS: Color duplex scanning of the proximal deep veins and the superficial veins to detect occlusion and reflux. Information on previous diagnoses and treatment were obtained from the medical records. RESULTS: 63/137 (45%) had deep venous causes for oedema. Fever with rigors and inguinal lymphaedenopathy were strongly predictive of non DVT causes. Filariasis is the first diagnosis and DVT is considered late among the outpatients. CONCLUSIONS: DVT is a common cause of leg swelling among those referred.