Real-time ultrasound diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis: a comparison with venography.

A prospective study comparing real-time ultrasound scanning with contrast venography in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the lower limb was performed in a group of 46 patients. The sensitivity of ultrasound scanning for thrombus within the iliofemoral segment, femoral vein, and popliteal vein was 94% with a specificity of 100%. Additional information obtained by ultrasound included the diagnosis of popliteal cysts, pelvic and inguinal lymphadenopathy, popliteal haematoma, and traumatic arterial aneurysm. Real-time ultrasound scanning is a rapid and non-invasive alternative to contrast venography in the diagnosis of lower limb deep venous thrombosis.