Identification of intraluminal thrombus by ultrasonography in emergency department patients with acute deep venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) using duplex ultrasonography (DU) has relied on the absence of venous compressibility. Visualization of an intraluminal thrombus is considered an uncommon finding.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of intraluminal thrombus in emergency department (ED) patients diagnosed with acute DVT.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of adult ED patients with DU examinations demonstrating acute DVT. Patients with chronic DVT or patients in whom DU did not demonstrate DVT were excluded from data analysis. Study reports and ultrasound images were reviewed and analyzed for the presence of intraluminal thrombus.

RESULTS

There were 189 patients who met inclusion criteria, of which 160 (85%) were found to have intraluminal thrombus.

CONCLUSION

Intraluminal thrombi are present in the majority of patients in our ED in whom acute DVT is identified by DU.