Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis
Diagnosis of a deep venous thrombosis is made by performing a detailed history, detailed examination, and diagnostic studies.
DVT expert Dr. Farshad Malekmehr elaborates on how easy and fast it is to diagnose a DVT in order to treat it right away.
HISTORY AND EXAMINATION
Pain or swelling, especially associated with any risk factors, should alert the practitioner to a highly likelihood of DVT. Specific factors that would point out to the diagnosis of DVT are:
ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound is a great noninvasive test that is highly accurate in diagnosis of DVT in the lower and upper extremities. Ultrasound does not emit radiation. This test cannot evaluate DVTs well in the central veins, in the pelvis, abdomen, and the chest.
CT EXAM AND MRA
These tests are used to evaluate the extent and severity of the DVT in the central veins of the pelvis, chest, and the pulmonary artery. The CT exam is a highly accurate and specific test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
VENOGRAPHY
This is a test that involves injection of contrast in a peripheral vein and taking x-rays. It is very accurate and provides detailed pictures of a DVT. However, it is invasive and not used commonly.
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