Sonography in differential diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the leg.

The lower extremities of 60 consecutive symptomatic patients were examined first by ultrasound (US) and then by phlebography. Deep venous thrombosis was found in 17 patients by means of venography. A hematoma was detected by US in six legs without thrombosis. A popliteal cyst was observed by US in five cases; one patient had a concurrent deep venous thrombosis. It was concluded that symptomatic patients with a negative phlebography should be examined by US for correct diagnosis and treatment, although US cannot replace phlebography.