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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
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A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Imaging of deep vein thrombosis
J H Orbell1, A Smith, K G Burnand
1King's College London, Academic Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|January 16, 2008
Summary
Diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is challenging due to non-specific symptoms. While duplex ultrasonography is common, advanced imaging like MRI and CT venography offer improved accuracy for specific cases.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects 1-2% of the population, presenting with non-specific symptoms that complicate clinical diagnosis.
- Advancements in imaging techniques are crucial for accurate DVT diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare diagnostic imaging techniques for deep vein thrombosis of the leg.
- To evaluate the efficacy and limitations of various imaging modalities.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted from 1980 to 2007.
- Databases searched included PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase.
Main Results:
- Duplex ultrasonography is widely used, cost-effective, and accurate for above-knee thrombosis but limited for pelvic/distal veins and post-thrombotic limbs.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sonographic elasticity imaging show promise but are limited by cost and availability.
- Computed tomography (CT) offers high sensitivity and specificity, particularly for pelvic DVT, and can be combined with CT pulmonary angiography.
Conclusions:
- MRI presents advantages over duplex ultrasonography but needs further clinical refinement.
- Venography or CT venography are recommended when duplex scanning is insufficient for diagnosis.
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