Deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs: A retrospective analysis of doppler ultrasound findings

Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs is one of the most common cause for the majority of deaths caused by pulmonary embolism. Many medical and surgical disorders are complicated by DVT. Most venous thrombi are clinically silent. B-mode and color Doppler imaging is needed for early diagnosis of DVT to prevent complications and sequalae of DVT. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the following study were to evaluate the role of Doppler as an imaging modality in diagnosing DVT of lower limbs, to study the spectrum of findings on Doppler ultrasound in patients with DVT. Materials and Methods: Retrospective descriptive analysis of 78 patients of DVT diagnosed on Doppler. Results: Nearly 74% of the patients were males and 26% were females with majority belonging to fifth decade (26%). 75 (96.1%) cases showed unilateral while 3 (3.9%) cases showed bilateral lower limb involvement. In our study, predominant distribution of thrombus was found to be in above knee region with 69/78 (88.5%) patients having thrombus in the superficial femoral vein. Popliteal vein was involved in 54/78 (69.2%) patients. Complete thrombosis was observed in 54/78 (69%) cases, while partial thrombosis was observed in 24/78 (31%) cases. Subacute stage was seen in 42 cases (53.8%), acute stage in 23 cases (29.5%) while chronic stage in 13 cases (16.7%). 71 cases (91%) had multiple contiguous segmental involvement, whereas 7 cases (9%) had isolated vein involvement. Conclusion: Color Doppler is useful in diagnosing DVT in symptomatic and at risk patients and provides a non-invasive method of investigation. It is also helpful in evaluating the site, extent and stage of thrombus.