99mTc-plasmin test in deep vein thrombosis of the leg.

A 99mTc-plasmin test and phlebography were performed on 45 consecutive unselected patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis of the leg. Phlebography showed thrombosis in 15 cases. In fourteen of these patients there was a positive result in the plasmin test. Eleven other patients had a positive plasmin test result as well. The most common causes for a false-positive result in the plasmin test in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis were acute inflammatory disease and disturbance in venous flow without fresh thrombosis. The sensitivity of the plasmin test in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis was 93% and the specificity was 63%. It is concluded that the plasmin test can be used for the screening of deep vein thrombosis.