Deep vein thrombosis CT

Editor(s)-In-Chief: The APEX Trial Investigators, C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2] ; Kashish Goel, M.D.; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Justine Cadet

Overview

CT scan is not a routine test for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). CT scan venography can be considered for the diagnosis of DVT when ultrasonography is either impractical or non-diagnostic.^[1]

CT

Uses

CT scan might be used for diagnosis of DVT when compression ultrasonography is impractical in cases of excessive swelling, edema, or a leg cast, or when the ultrasound in non-diagnostic.^[1]

CT scan is preferred over contrast venography as there is no need to cannulate the foot veins.

Limitations

CT scan is not done routinely in clinical settings because of certain limitations:

Side effects of IV contrast administration
Expensive modality

Examples

CT images: DVT at left leg

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, Prandoni P, Bounameaux H, Goldhaber SZ; et al. (2012). “Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines”. Chest. 141 (2 Suppl): e419S–94S. doi:10.1378/chest.11-2301. PMC 3278049. PMID 22315268.

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[pmid22315268-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, Prandoni P, Bounameaux H, Goldhaber SZ; et al. (2012). “Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines”. Chest. 141 (2 Suppl): e419S–94S. doi:10.1378/chest.11-2301. PMC 3278049. PMID 22315268.

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