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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
10:26
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
The diagnostic approach to deep venous thrombosis
1Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Division of the LDS Hospital and University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84143, USA. ldgellio@ihc.com
Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|August 10, 2005
Summary
Accurate diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is crucial for effective treatment. Duplex ultrasonography is a safe and preferred initial diagnostic test for suspected DVT in outpatients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) poses significant health risks, including mortality and long-term disability.
- Effective treatments for DVT are available, underscoring the need for accurate and timely diagnosis.
- Diagnostic approaches for DVT vary based on available resources and clinical expertise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic strategies for deep vein thrombosis.
- To highlight the role of duplex ultrasonography in DVT diagnosis.
- To discuss the safety and efficacy of various diagnostic protocols.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical outcome studies on DVT diagnostic strategies.
- Emphasis on duplex ultrasonography with venous compression as a primary diagnostic tool.
- Discussion of alternative diagnostic methods including clinical scores, D-dimer testing, venography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Main Results:
- Duplex ultrasonography with venous compression is the recommended initial test for most outpatients with suspected acute DVT.
- Withholding anticoagulation is safe when two serial compression ultrasonography examinations are negative over 5–7 days.
- Combined strategies using clinical scores, D-dimer, and ultrasonography show potential effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Duplex ultrasonography is a cornerstone in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.
- Serial negative ultrasonography results support the safe cessation of anticoagulant therapy.
- A multimodal diagnostic approach may be necessary depending on clinical context and resource availability.
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