Ultrasonography for DVT – how useful is single point augmentation?

Aims: It is unclear whether the absence of normal augmentation of spectral Doppler flow at a single point is an accurate predictor of lower limb acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or whether its presence reliably excludes DVT. Our main objective was to assess the role of single point augmentation of spectral Doppler flow in the diagnosis of acute DVT. Secondary objectives included identifying the augmentation response in non-DVT diagnoses. Methods: Patients attending the ultrasound department of two hospitals during an eight-month period for investigation of suspected acute DVT were eligible. Spectral Doppler asse…