[Liquid crystal contact thermography--a new screening procedure in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis].

In search of a sensitive, simple, non-invasive screening method in the diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) we become aware of the recent possibility of Liquid Crystal Contact Thermography (LCCT). From October 1987 all patients over 40 years of age undergoing visceral surgery were examined on the second postoperative day by means of the LCCT Method. Furthermore patients of the traumatological clinic with high risk for DVT (hip surgery) were controlled. In case of positive thermography or uncertain interpretation a phlebography was performed and thermography repeated. Until the end of February 1988 316 patients were submitted to LCCT. In the beginning of the study pathologic and iatrogenic factors which lead to a rise in temperature of the leg, caused differential diagnostic problems. In the course of the study the LCCT turned out to be a reliable screening method in the diagnostic of DVT. In our study the LCCT has a sensitivity of 94%. The specificity was, as expected, a bit lower and is 86%. The high sensitivity and somewhat lower specificity (which is without consequence for the patients) shows that LCCT is well suited as screening method, especially since it is non-invasive. Differential diagnostic aspects are discussed.