The need for objective diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis

In a series of 81 limbs in which the clinical diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis was suspected, objective confirmation could be obtained in only 24 or 30%. Of the patients who presented with signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis confined to the calf, the diagnosis was confirmed in only 37%. In view of the attendant morbidity and mortality associated with anticoagulation therapy, it is suggested that in all patients in whom the clinical diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis is made, objective confirmation should be obtained by one or more of the currently available methods, before the initiation of long-term anticoagulation therapy.