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Isolated calf venous thrombosis: diagnosis with compression US
E K Yucel1, J S Fisher, T K Egglin
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114.
Radiology
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Compression ultrasound effectively diagnoses calf vein thrombosis, showing 88% sensitivity and 96% specificity. This imaging technique may become a standard screening tool for deep vein thrombosis in the lower leg.
Area of Science:
- Vascular imaging
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- Thrombosis diagnosis
Background:
- Compression ultrasound (US) is standard for femoral and popliteal vein evaluation.
- Its utility in diagnosing calf vein thrombosis remains debated.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) requires accurate and timely diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of compression ultrasonography for calf vein thrombosis.
- To compare compression US findings with venography in symptomatic patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 45 symptomatic patients with normal proximal veins.
- Compression sonography of calf veins performed.
- Correlative venography as the gold standard for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Compression US identified 15 of 17 calf vein thrombosis cases (88% sensitivity).
- Two false-negative results occurred in patients with small, isolated thrombi.
- Compression US demonstrated 96% specificity, with 26 of 27 normal venograms correctly identified as true-negative.
Conclusions:
- Compression ultrasonography shows high sensitivity and specificity for calf vein thrombosis.
- This modality shows promise as an adequate screening tool for calf deep vein thrombosis.
- Further validation in larger patient cohorts is recommended.