Objective tests for the diagnosis of deep leg vein thrombosis

The concept that deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are one clinical entity has only recently established itself. Hence, the term venous thromboembolism should be used. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism has been notoriously difficult, and pulmonary angiography via the reference method has played a prominent role. More recently, the use of less invasive or noninvasive diagnostic tools for patients who have inconclusive lung scan reports has been advocated. This option is based on observations that deep vein thrombosis is present in a substantial number of patients who have proven pulmonary emboli. The authors have reviewed the literature for available data on the use of objective tests for deep vein thrombosis in the management of patients who have clinically suspected pulmonary embolism. Although several clinical studies have shown promising results, no diagnostic strategy has been sufficiently evaluated to warrant the use of such tests for routine clinical practice.