Diagnosis of femoropopliteal venous thrombosis: comparison of duplex sonography and plethysmography

• Published in: American journal of roentgenology (1976) Vol. 150; no. 3; pp. 623 - 627
• Main Authors: Rosner, NH, Doris, PE
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Leesburg, VA Am Roentgen Ray Soc 01.03.1988; American Roentgen Ray Society
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Cardiology. Vascular system; Diseases of the peripheral vessels. Diseases of the vena cava. Miscellaneous; Female; Femoral Vein - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Phlebography; Plethysmography, Impedance; Popliteal Vein - diagnostic imaging; Thrombosis - diagnosis; Thrombosis - diagnostic imaging; Ultrasonography; Doppler ultrasound study; Sonography; Human; Venous disease of the limb; Ultrasonic investigation; Popliteal vein; Lower limb; Deep vein thrombosis; Cardiovascular disease; Exploration; Thrombosis; Hemodynamics; Plethysmography; Femoral vein
• ISSN: 0361-803X; 1546-3141
• DOI: 10.2214/ajr.150.3.623

Duplex sonography and impedance plethysmography were correlated with contrast venography to compare the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the two noninvasive techniques for the diagnosis of femoropopliteal venous thrombosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of duplex sonography were 90%, 100%, and 97%, respectively, when compared with venography in 32 patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of plethysmography were 100%, 63%, and 72%, respectively, when compared with venography in 25 patients. In 21 patients, plethysmography was either nondiagnostic or could not be done because of clinical difficulties. Eighteen of these patients had diagnostic duplex examinations. Duplex sonography exhibits similar sensitivity but higher specificity than plethysmography. Duplex sonography also permits diagnostic examinations in patients in whom diagnostic plethysmography cannot be performed.