Non-Invasive Screening for Deep Vein Thrombosis: Comparison between 99m Tc-labelled Compounds,Thermography,131 I-Fibrinogen Uptake Test and X-Ray Phlebography

In 81 patients with clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis, the diagnostic accuracy of thermography, 99m Tc-plasmin and 99m Tc-fibrinogen uptake tests for detecting and localizing DVT was compared with a routinely used 131 I-FUT and X-ray phlebography as reference method. Sensitivity of these tests for detection of DVT was high (0.86–1.0). 99m Tc-labelled compounds and thermography should be used for detecting rather than for localizing DVT, since sensitivity of these tests was somewhat lower in the thigh. Clinical examination and exclusion of patients with inflammatory processes, hematoma or trauma markedly increases the specificity. Uptake tests with 99m Tc-labelled compounds are fast, reliable and suitable as bedside tests.