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Visualization of calf veins by color flow imaging
P S van Bemmelen1, G Bedford, D E Strandness
1Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Duplex scanning with color flow imaging effectively detects deep vein thrombosis in calf veins, improving diagnostic capabilities beyond traditional noninvasive tests for proximal thrombi.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Venous Thromboembolism
Background:
- Noninvasive tests detect proximal deep venous thrombi (DVT) but miss calf vein thrombi.
- Plethysmography and B-mode imaging have limitations in visualizing small calf veins.
- Limited diagnostic accuracy for calf vein DVT necessitates improved imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of duplex scanning with color flow imaging for detecting calf vein deep venous thrombi.
- To assess the visualization capability of this advanced ultrasound technique in the calf region.
- To determine the clinical utility of duplex scanning for comprehensive DVT diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized duplex scanning with "slow flow" color Doppler capability.
- Examined 30 healthy subjects.
- Visualized paired veins from the ankle to the popliteal fossa.
Main Results:
- Successfully visualized all paired deep veins in the calf region (ankle to popliteal fossa) in normal subjects.
- Demonstrated the capability of duplex scanning to study small calf veins.
- Established a baseline for visualization in a healthy cohort.
Conclusions:
- Duplex scanning with color flow imaging offers a viable method for studying calf veins.
- This technique enhances the detection of deep venous thrombi confined to the calf.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy for lower extremity DVT is achievable with this advanced ultrasound approach.