Supine pedal venous measurement in patients with venous disease.

The measurement of supine pedal venous pressure as a screening test for deep venous thrombosis is re-evaluated. In 83 extremities studied in 50 patients, the false-positive rate was 62%, the false-negative rate 8%. Chronic venous disease, whatever its etiology but particularly in association with the post-phlebitis syndrome, can be a source of error in relying upon this measurement.