DIAGNOSIS OF PHLEBOTHROMBOSIS BY COLOR-CO DED DUPLEXSONOGRAPHY - A PROSPECTIVE COMPARISON WITH PHLEBOGRAPHY

In a prospective study the reliability of colour-coded duplexsonograph y (CCDS) and phlebography in the diagnosis of deep leg and pelvic vein thrombosis was compared. In 82 consecutive in- or out-patients (42 me n, 40 women; mean age 53 [19-86] years) with clinically suspected leg or pelvic vein thrombosis the results of 275 phlebographies (reference method) and 275 CCDS were compared on admission and during follow-up. The two methods were performed less than 6 hours apart. In the diagno sis of thrombosis the sensitivity of CCDS was 99 %, specificity 80 %. In 88 % of all tests, the different thrombosis levels, as diagnosed by phlebography, were also demonstrated by CCDS. - These data indicate t hat, if the clinical picture of suspected deep leg or pelvic vein thro mbosis is unclear, CCDS should be done first. Phlebography should be p erformed only if the results of the former are inconclusive.