[Deep venous thrombosis of the legs. Diagnostic results comparing the duplex and the color-Doppler methods]

Thirty-eight patients (45 limbs on the whole) with clinical suspicion of deep venous thrombosis in the lower limbs were examined with duplex US and color-Doppler flow mapping. The results were compared with those of ascending phlebography used as a reference. Disease sites included distal localizations, limited to the leg, with no involvement of the popliteal vein, and proximal localizations, involving the popliteal vein to the iliac segment. In case of proximal thrombosis, duplex US had 81% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 86% positive and 90% negative predictive values. Color-Doppler flow mapping had 87% sensitivity, 96% specificity, 93% positive and negative predictive values. In case of distal localizations, the results were poorer with both methods; duplex sensitivity decreased to 60% and specificity to 83% with 64% positive and 80% negative predictive values. Color-Doppler results were slightly higher, with 80% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 85% positive and 90% negative predictive values. Thus, the authors believe color-Doppler flow mapping to be adequate as the imaging method of choice when deep venous thrombosis is suspected. Color-Doppler imaging yields better results in distal localizations and makes the examination easier, quicker and more panoramic. Phlebography should be employed in questionable cases and is required for the diagnosis of limited thromboses, which are at risk for embolism, as those we observed in the adductor canal, which are difficult to diagnose with US.