DVT Presentations to an Emergency Department: A Study of Guideline Based Care and Decision Making.
Pre-test probability scoring and blood tests for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) assessment are sensitive, but not specific leading to increased demands on radiology services. Three hundred and eighty-five patients presenting to an Emergency Department (ED), with suspected DVT, were studied to explore our actual work-up of patients with possible DVT relating to risk stratification, further investigation and follow up. Of the 205 patients with an initially negative scan, 36 (17.6%) were brought for review to the ED Consultant clinic. Thirty-four (16.6%) patients underwent repeat compression ultrasound with 5 (2.4%) demonstrating a DVT on the second scan. Repeat compression ultrasound scans were performed on 34 (16.6%) patients with an initially negative scan, with essentially the same diagnostic yield as other larger studies where 100% of such patients had repeat scanning. Where there is ongoing concern, repeat above-knee compression ultrasound within one week will pick up a small number of deep venous thromboses.
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The original article is available at www.imj.iePublished Citation
D Lillis, C Lloyd, P O’Kelly, S Kelada, S Kelly, P Gilligan. DVT Presentations To An Emergency Department: A Study Of Guideline Based Care And Decision Making. Irish Medical Journal 2016;109(2)354Publication Date
2016-02-01PubMed ID
27685687Department/Unit
- Beaumont Hospital