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Semin Thromb Hemost 2006; 32(7): 659-672
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-951294
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Gualtiero Palareti1 , Benilde Cosmi1 , Cristina Legnani1
  • 1Department of Angiology and Blood Coagulation, University Hospital Saint Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 October 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) requires a prompt and accurate diagnosis to avoid the potentially fatal consequences of a delay in adequate treatment. The diagnostic strategy of suspected venous thromboembolism is an example of the application of Bayes' theorem. As a result, the available diagnostic tools, both noninvasive (such as ultrasonography, D-dimer, and computed tomography) and invasive (such as venography), are usually integrated in diagnostic strategies that require the evaluation of the a priori clinical probability of disease (pretest probability). These strategies also vary according to the patient characteristics that allow the definition of five different categories: symptomatic outpatients, symptomatic inpatients, high-risk asymptomatic subjects, patients with suspected recurrence, and pregnant women. Some areas are still a matter of debate, such as the clinical relevance of isolated distal DVT and the diagnosis of suspected ipsilateral recurrence.

KEYWORDS

Deep vein thrombosis - diagnosis - imaging - D-dimer - pulmonary embolism - postphlebitic syndrome

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Gualtiero PalaretiM.D. 

Department of Angiology and Blood Coagulation, University Hospital S. Orsola-Malpighi

Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy

Email: palareti@tin.it