Sonography of deep venous thrombosis of the lower limb in Ilorin Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2015-07-31
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common medical problem worldwide; about 10-20% of patients may
develop the complication of pulmonary embolism (PE ) which may lead to death. Venography, once the diagnostic test of
choice for detection, has been largely replaced by color flow Doppler ultrasound (CFDU) in recent years.
Objective: To assess the usefulness of CFDU in the detection of DVT of the lower limb, in patients with clinical suspicion
of DVT in our environment.
Materials and methods: A total of 76 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of DVT referred to Kwara State
Advanced Diagnostic Centre who had CFDU of the lower limbs from April 2013 to April 2015. Examination was carried
out using a General Electric (GE) Logic P5 ultrasound machine equipped with a 7.5 -10MHz probe. In addition to spectral
and color flow, power Doppler was routinely used in the calf veins.
Results: Deep venous thrombosis was confirmed in a total of 45 patients (59.2%) out of the 76 patients with clinical
suspicion of DVT, while 31(40.8%) had no DVT. Out of this number 26 (34.2%) were females, while 19 were males
(25%).
The commonest risk factors were paralysis from CVA and prolonged immobility post-surgery.
DVT was commoner in above-the-knee -veins 40(90%) than in the calf veins 5(10%).
Other findings include lower limb cellulitis, ruptured Baker’s cysts and lymphedema occurring in 10(13,2%) patients.
Conclusion: Colour flow Doppler ultrasound proved to be a reliable non-invasive technique for the diagnosis of DVT,
with a relatively high incidence in patients who have prolonged immobility e.g. patients with stroke, and post-surgical
patients. Pregnant patients especially those embarking on long distance journeys are also prone to DVT.
Description
Keywords
Sonography, Deep venous thrombosis, Lower limb, Ilorin, Nigeria