Use of the triplex scanner in diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis.

We report our experience with 264 patients who underwent triplex scans for venous occlusive disease over a 10-month period. Venography was obtained in 30 of these patients. Correlation between the two procedures was 100%. The anatomic location of thrombosis and the extent of disease were identical in both studies. The presence of intraluminal clot by angiodynography is detected by looking for changes in the venous color-flow patterns and in the B-mode image. Newer clots have low echogenicity and are seen as large black areas in the gray-scale image. Older clots are more echogenic. The presence of enlarged venous collateral veins as well as absence of color flow and inability to compress the veins confirm the diagnosis of acute deep venous thrombosis. The results of angiodynography alone can be used safely in diagnosing acute deep venous thrombosis in patients. Equally important, treatment can be withheld safety in a patient with normal results.