Simple Method Detects DVT

(October 8, 2007) - Sometimes, the simple method is just as good as any other. In fact, in the case of detection methods for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the simple method works as well as any other. A comparison of two diagnostic methods used to detect DVTs (Read about "Deep Vein Thrombosis") of the lower extremities indicates that a simpler method, with wider availability, has rates of DVT detection that are equivalent to a more complex method. That's the conclusion of a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The imaging technique, compression ultrasonography (Read about "Ultrasound Imaging"), is a highly accurate method for the detection of DVT and has replaced other diagnostic methods in common practice. Two ultrasonography diagnostic methods often used are 2-point and whole-leg. With 2-point ultrasonography, compression is applied to two veins, and benefits include simplicity, reproducibility and broad availability. It may be performed with virtually all ultrasound scanners, irrespective of age or model.

"Its major limitation is the need to repeat the test once within 1 week in patients with normal findings at presentation to detect calf DVT extending to the proximal [near the point of origin] veins. Repeat testing may be safely avoided in patients with a normal D-dimer test [blood test used to help rule out active blood clot formation] at presentation," the authors write.

The advantages of whole-leg ultrasonography include the ability to exclude isolated calf DVT, allowing for 1-day treatment of all patients, without additional testing. Conversely, it needs top-quality ultrasound equipment and experienced operators; therefore, it is often unobtainable after hours and during the weekends. Despite the lack of definite evidence, whole-leg ultrasonography is thought to be better than serial 2-point ultrasonography, and as a consequence, many patients with suspected DVT need to wait hours or even days before whole-leg ultrasonography is obtained and are frequently (unnecessarily) administered anticoagulants in the meantime, according to background information in the article.

In the study, over 2000 people were examined. Half got the simple test, the other the more complicated whole leg one. The results were equal for both tests.