Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions ā written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Deep vein thrombosis CT
Introduction
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]Ā ; Kashish Goel, M.D.; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Justine Cadet
Overview
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
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
Examples
- CT images: DVT at left leg
References
References
- ā 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): e419Sā94S. doi:10.1378/chest.11-2301. PMCĀ 3278049. PMIDĀ 22315268.