DIAGNOSIS OF DEEP-VEIN THROMBOSIS - IS COLOR CODED DUPLEX SONOGRAPHY UNNECESSARY

In the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis compression B-mode sonography and colour coded Duplexsonography both are reported to give excellent results in sensitivity and specificity in comparison to phlebography. Therefore value and cost effectiveness of colour coded Duplexsonography versus compression B-mode sonography are questionable. In our examinations with colour coded Duplexscanning done one 116 patients in comparison to phlebography we achieved corresponding results to the values of present publications (sensitivity in the leg was 100%, in the calf 89%; specificity in the leg was 94%, in the calf 91%). In earlier examinations with compression B-mode sonography done on 64 patients we were less successfull in gaining these results in comparison to phlebography: sensitivity was 76% and specificity was 88% in the iliaco-, femoro-, popliteal region. We discuss the limitations of the compression test in our experiences and point out the advantages of colour coding under special situations.