Comparison of Doppler and Greyscale Compression Sonography in the Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

Abstract |
Objective: To determine the agreement of Doppler and gray scale sonography in the diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Methods: This Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Afro-Asian Institute of Medical Sciences & Gilani Ultrasound Centre, Lahore Pakistan from 1st January 2015 to 30th June 2016. All the individuals conveniently enrolled voluntarily in this study by clinical prediction rules (Well's DVT criteria), including male, female. Grayscale compression sonography and Doppler examinations were performed with supine patient position. The lower limb under examination were entirely exposed to perform the examination without any hurdle. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) vascular examination guideline were observed throughout the research study.
Results: A total of 200 subjects; 132 (66%) Females and 68 (34%) males were enrolled. Their mean age was 48.57± 17.92 years, ranges from 16 to 80 years. A strong agreement was found between the compression sonography and Doppler ultrasonography with Kappa value was 0.921, (Ref. Strong agreement 0.90 to 0.98). Doppler sonography was found slightly more sensitive and specific than the conventional Grayscale compression sonography. Additional provocative measures and operator expertise brought the overall reliability of Doppler Ultrasound to almost hundred percent.
Conclusion: A strong agreement was found between Grayscale compression sonography and Doppler in the evaluation of DVT. Doppler ultrasound with additional provocative measures and operator expertise is more reliable than conventional grayscale compression sonography.