A positive compression ultrasonography of the lower limb veins is highly predictive of pulmonary embolism on computed tomography in suspected patients

• DOI: 10.1160/th06-03-0158
• Publication Date: 2006-05-16T11:37:01Z
• Authors: Marc Righini; Oliver Sanchez; Pierre-Marie Roy; Mohamed Baba-Ahmed; Arnaud Perrier; Henri Bounameaux; Grégoire Le Gal
• Keywords: D-dimer; Positive predicative value

Summary The presence of a clot – even asymptomatic in the proximal lower limb veins patient with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) provides evidence for venous thromboembolism and indicates anticoagulant therapy such patients. We aimed at assessing diagnostic performance compression ultrasonography as compared to multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) diagnosis PE. analyzed data from large outcome management study that included consecutive outpatients referred emergency ward All high clinical probability patients, all non-high patients positive D-dimer test underwent both MSCT CUS. Of 756 232 had PE ruled out on basis negative test, 524 was found 187 511 witha conclusive MSCT. sensitivity CUS 39% (95% confidence interval: 32 46%), its specificity 99% CI:97 100%). Positive likelihood ratios were 42.2 CI: 13.5 131.9) 0.6 0.5 0.7), respectively. conclude unselected has but low sensitivity, It allows ruling without further invasive and/or expensive testing