Color Doppler versus compression ultrasound as diagnostic modality for acute venous thromboembolism in patient with proximal femur fracture.

Abstract

Objectives: This study is a comparative study between Color Doppler and Compression Ultrasound, used as
diagnostic modalities for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis( DVT) in patients with proximal femur fracture .
Methods: It was a prospective study conducted over a period of one and a half years. Cases under study were
patients with isolated proximal femur fracture. All the patients were evaluated by Color Doppler and Compression
Ultrasound. CT Angiography was used whenever required and not as routine modality. Post-operative monitoring
of the patients was done for 8 weeks.
Results: A total of 70 patients were assessed. The mean age group was 50 years, with 60% being males and 40%
females. There were 10 cases of DVT diagnosed radiologically . Out of these 10 cases diagnosed, 9 cases were
diagnosed positive by the Color Doppler method and 8 by the Compression Ultrasound.1case was diagnosed by CT
Venography. There was complete resolution of DVT in all the patients who were diagnosed positive for DVT. It was
confirmed by Color Doppler at 8 weeks post diagnosis.
Conclusion: DVT is a serious complication if untreated. Previous studies showing lesser efficacy of Color Doppler
as compared to Compression Ultrasound doesn’t hold true. Cases diagnosed by Color Doppler are at par with
Compression Ultrasound. So we can use Color Doppler as screening modality with the added benefit of
visualization of thrombus resolution