[Current methods in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs]

The diagnosis of lower limb deep vein thrombosis requires to use of complementary diagnostic tests. For a long time phlebography has been the only reliable examination and is always regarded as the gold standard by many people. In recent years, non invasive diagnostic modalities have been developed. Most significantly scintigraphy, plethysmography, color Doppler ultrasound and MR imaging. MRI is as reliable as venography but, at the present time, it is time-consuming and far less available than the other modalities. Scintigraphy and plethysmography may be useful but are less accurate and yield a somewhat higher rate of false positive and negative examinations. Color Doppler ultrasound has proved its effectiveness and is currently recommended as the diagnostic modality of choice. Venography is still a significant diagnostic tool for questionable cases or for technically inadequate Doppler ultrasound examinations.