The clinical application of venous ultrasound in diagnosis and follow-up of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT): a case-based discussion.

Abstract

Current clinical practice guidelines lack explicit guidance on the indications and appropriate timing of venous ultrasound (US) in lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) follow-up. Moreover, abnormal findings reported on venous US in DVT follow-up or suspected recurrent DVT may be difficult for clinicians to interpret, which carries risk of harm from inappropriate use of anti- coagulation and increased healthcare resource utilization. Due to the above factors, over-use of ultrasound in diagnosis and follow-up of lower extremity DVT has been reported in western health systems. We have undertaken a case-based discussion and a scoping review of existing guidelines on the use of venousUS following prior diagnosis of DVT, to guide appropriate interpretation of commonly reported US abnormalities and provide our suggestions in the light of best available evidence on appropriate timing to perform follow-up US in management of lower extremity DVT.