engleski

DVT - emergency ultrasound protocol and differential diagnosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life- threatening peripheral vascular disease, representing a major source of morbidity and mortality. In young individuals the incidence of DVT is of 1/100000 people ; at middle age it is approximately 1/1000, which is also the overall incidence. Due to aforementioned incidence rates, the emergency physicians frequently encounter symptoms of DVT (typically unilateral lower extremity swelling, pain, or discoloration). Since there are numerous non- thrombotic conditions that share similar signs and symptoms with DVT, ultrasound imaging in combination with laboratory tests (D-dimer levels) is commonly used to establish the diagnosis. When properly performed, US of the deep veins of pelvis and lower extremities is quick, feasible and reliable method to ascertain the diagnosis of DVT. DVT is a multifactorial disease involving a variety of risk factors, many of which are common. It is nowadays accepted that the interaction of multiple risk factors over time determines the risk of thrombosis. The purpose of this review is to present the anatomy and pathophysisology of DVT in relation to common US findings, to give introduction in US imaging technique using compression method and Color-Doppler mode, and, finally, to disclose the most frequent pitfalls and DVT mimickers.

deep vein thrombosis ; emergency ultrasound ; radiology ; emergency medicine

nije evidentirano