Diagnosis of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis using noninvasive technique

Forty-two patients suspected of having unilateral upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were evaluated with Doppler ultrasonography and phleborheography (PRG). Venography was performed on 23 upper extremities (54%). Doppler ultrasonography and PRG produced similar accuracy (82%) in detecting upper extremity DVT when compared with venography. The accuracy improved to 91% when the results of both tests were considered together. It is concluded that Doppler ultrasonography and PRG, when used together, are useful, rapid, and accurate techniques for diagnosing upper extremity DVT.