Key result
Physical exam and IPG prove less accurate and unreliable compared to venography for DVT diagnosis.
Why the study?
Accuracy of physical examination and impedance plethysmography in diagnosing lower extremity deep venous thrombosis was uncertain and required evaluation.
Do physical examination and impedance plethysmography accurately diagnose lower extremity deep venous thrombosis?
Observational
Do physical examination and impedance plethysmography accurately diagnose lower extremity deep venous thrombosis?
Physical examination and impedance plethysmography are insufficiently accurate for diagnosing lower extremity DVT, supporting the continued use of venography as the most reliable diagnostic procedure.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Physical examination and IPG lack accuracy for DVT diagnosis; leaves open validation of modern noninvasive tests versus venography.
Accuracy in the diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) by physical examination and impedance plethysmography (IPG) is reviewed. Physical examination proved unreliable in distinguishing patients with and without acute disease. Swelling in the leg was, however, more prevalent in patients with DVT. The sensitivity and specificity of IPG were less than those reported by other groups. Venography remains the most reliable diagnostic procedure in our institution.
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Vaccaro et al. (1987) conducted an observational in Lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Physical examination and impedance plethysmography (IPG) vs. Venography was evaluated on Accuracy in the diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Physical examination and impedance plethysmography (IPG) proved unreliable and less accurate than venography for the diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.
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