Accuracy in the diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) by physical examination and impedance plethysmography (IPG) is reviewed. Physical examination proved unreliable in distinguishing patients with and without acute disease. Swelling in the leg was, however, more prevalent in patients with DVT. The sensitivity and specificity of IPG were less than those reported by other groups. Venography remains the most reliable diagnostic procedure in our institution.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Haeger K.: Problems of acute deep venous thrombosis. Angiology20:219-233, 1962.
2.
McLachlin J., Richards T., Paterson J.: An evaluation of clinical signs in the diagnosis of venous thrombosis. Arch Surg85:58-64, 1962.
3.
Wheeler HB, Anderson PA, Cardullo PA, et al: Suspected deep vein thrombosis: Management by impedance plethysmography . Arch Surg117:1206-1209, 1982 .
4.
Flanigan DP, Goodreau J., Burnham S., et al: Vascular laboratory diagnosis of clinically suspected acute deep vein thrombosis. Lancet2:331-334, 1978.
5.
Satiani B., Paoletti D., Henry M., et al: A critical appraisal of impedance plethysmography in the diagnosis of acute deep venous thrombosis. Surg Gynecol Obstet161:25-29, 1985.
6.
Mullick S., Wheeler H., Songster G.: Diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis by measurement of electrical impedance . Am J Surg119:417-422, 1970.
7.
Hull R., Taylor D., Hirsh J.: Impedance plethysmography: The relationship between venous filling and sensitivity and specificity for proximal vein thrombosis. Circulation58:898-902, 1978.
