How I Do It: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Bedside Diagnosis of Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis

Link to article at PubMed

Chest. 2021 Jul 13:S0012-3692(21)01330-1. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.010. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The point-of-care ultrasound deep venous thrombosis exam (POCUS DVT exam) can facilitate rapid bedside diagnosis and treatment of lower extremity DVT. Awaiting radiology-performed Doppler ultrasonography and interpretation by radiologists can lead to delays in lifesaving anticoagulation, and the POCUS DVT exam can provide timely diagnostic information in the patient with lower extremity symptoms. This article outlines accepted techniques for the POCUS DVT exam, discusses the historical context from which the current recommendations have evolved, and provides illustrations alongside ultrasound images of relevant venous anatomy to orient the clinician. Finally, common pitfalls and methods to avoid them are described.

PMID:34270964 | DOI:10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.010

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