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Lower extremity swelling: computerized tomography following negative venography
1Department of Radiology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11042.
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Computerized tomography (CT) of the lower extremity, termed venography-CT (VCT), effectively diagnosed causes of leg swelling like knee effusion and intramuscular hemorrhage in patients with negative venography. This imaging aids clinical management.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common cause of lower extremity swelling.
- Conventional venography may not identify all causes of swelling.
- Occult causes of lower extremity swelling require advanced imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of computerized tomography (CT) of the lower extremity, termed venography-CT (VCT), in diagnosing causes of lower extremity swelling.
- To identify occult mechanisms of swelling not detected by venography.
- To assess the impact of VCT on clinical management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 21 patients with lower extremity swelling and negative venography.
- Radiographic evaluation extended to include VCT of the lower extremity.
- Analysis of CT findings to identify causes of swelling such as knee joint effusion and intramuscular hemorrhage.
Main Results:
- VCT identified two occult mechanisms of lower extremity swelling: knee joint effusion (3 patients) and intramuscular hemorrhage (5 patients).
- In patients with negative venography, VCT provided a diagnosis for swelling.
- VCT findings guided clinical management decisions.
Conclusions:
- Venography-CT (VCT) is effective in diagnosing occult causes of lower extremity swelling.
- VCT can identify knee joint effusion and intramuscular hemorrhage as sources of swelling.
- Selective use of VCT improves diagnostic accuracy and directs clinical management for lower extremity swelling.