Venous duplex ultrasound of the lower extremity in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis

Abstract

Duplex ultrasonography has dominated the clinical landscape for the diagnosis of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) since the early 1990s with utilization increasing in both the outpatient and inpatient milieu. Although this modality was initially flawed by high cost, cumbersome size, and low resolution, advancing technology has eliminated many of the early objections to the point where ultrasound has become the diagnostic test of choice. The recent advent of low cost, compact color duplex machines now enables even small laboratories and physician offices to play a larger clinical role in the diagnosis of and treatment for DVT. © 2007 Springer-Verlag London Limited.