Pulmonary embolism compression ultrasonography
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Pulmonary Embolism Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Pulmonary Embolism Assessment of Probability of Subsequent VTE and Risk Scores |
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Treatment |
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Follow-Up |
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Special Scenario |
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Trials |
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Case Studies |
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Pulmonary embolism compression ultrasonography On the Web |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Pulmonary embolism compression ultrasonography |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Pulmonary embolism compression ultrasonography |
Editor(s)-In-Chief: The APEX Trial Investigators, C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
Compression Ultrasonography, also known as a Doppler study of the legs, or lower extremity noninvasive studies (LENIS) is used to evaluate a patient for the presence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities, which can lead to the development of a pulmonary embolism. The presence of a DVT shown by ultrasonography is enough to warrant anticoagulation without a V/Q or spiral CT scans. The decision to anticoagulant patient with a positive compression ultrasound is due to the strong association between deep vein thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism. Compression ultrasonography is also a preferred method of evaluation during pregnancy, a time during which the other modalities would increase the risk of birth defects due to radiation exposure. A negative compression ultrasound does not rule out a pulmonary embolism, and an additional low-radiation dose scanning may be required in a pregnant patient to further rule out pulmonary embolism.