RELIABILITY OF DOPPLER ULTRASOUND IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE VENOUS THROMBOSIS BOTH ABOVE AND BELOW THE KNEE

We have found the Doppler examination to be accurate in 92 per cent of limbs with suspected iliofemoral thrombosis and in 86 per cent of limbs with suspected calf vein thrombosis. Above the knee, the sensitivity was 94 per cent and the specificity, 90 per cent. Below the knee, the sensitivity was 91 per cent and the specificity, 84 per cent. In the hands of a skilled examiner, Doppler ultrasound is a reliable noninvasive technique for evaluating patients with suspected deep venous thrombosis and one on which therapy can safely be based. © 1979.