Key result
A variety of musculoskeletal, vascular, neoplastic, and infective pathologies can mimic the clinical presentation of deep vein thrombosis, highlighting the importance of imaging to avoid misdiagnosis.
Why the study?
Unilateral leg swelling frequently prompts a suspected diagnosis of DVT, but alternative pathologies are often encountered; recognizing other causes is necessary to avoid unnecessary anticoagulation and missed diagnoses.
This pictorial review highlights the imaging characteristics of various musculoskeletal, vascular, and neoplastic conditions that can mimic deep vein thrombosis in patients presenting with a unilateral swollen painful lower leg.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Broadens differentials for unilateral leg swelling; leaves open optimal diagnostic algorithms pending prospective validation.
The presentation of unilateral leg swelling is commonly encountered clinical practice, with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) often raised as the main diagnosis. Not infrequently, and at times unexpectedly, a different pathology can be encountered. It is important to be aware of other causes of the unilateral swollen leg to avoid unnecessary anticoagulation and potential missed diagnosis. This article provides a systematic approach, with a review of the imaging characteristics, of the most common etiologies that can cause unilateral leg swelling mimicking a DVT.
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Paramesparan et al. (2019) conducted a review in Unilateral swollen painful lower leg (Deep Vein Thrombosis mimics). Imaging evaluation was evaluated. A variety of musculoskeletal, vascular, neoplastic, and infective pathologies can mimic the clinical presentation of deep vein thrombosis, highlighting the importance of imaging to avoid misdiagnosis.
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