Skip to Main Content

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Make the Diagnosis: Deep Vein Thrombosis

Prior Probability

A validated clinical prediction rule, applied to the appropriate patient population, creates stratified probability estimates of DVT (see Table 18-14).

Table 18-14Simplified Wells Prediction Rule2
View Table||Download (.pdf)
Table 18-14 Simplified Wells Prediction Rule2
Clinical Variable Score
Active cancer (treatment ongoing or within previous 6 mo or palliative) 1
Paralysis, paresis, or recent plaster immobilization of the lower extremities 1
Recently bedridden for 3 d or more, or major surgery within the previous 12 wk requiring general or regional anesthesia 1
Localized tenderness along the distribution of the deep venous system 1
Entire leg swelling 1
Calf swelling at least 3 cm larger than the asymptomatic leg (measured 10 cm below the tibial tuberosity)a 1
Pitting edema confined to the symptomatic leg 1
Collateral superficial veins (nonvaricose) 1
Previously documented DVT 1
Alternative diagnosis at least as likely as DVT –2
Simplified Score = Sum of Clinical Variables
Probability of DVT, % (95% CI)
Score ≥ 3, high probability 53 (44-61)
Score = 1 to 2, moderate probability 17 (13-23)
Score ≤ 0, low probability 5.0 (4-8)

Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; DVT, deep vein thrombosis.

aScoring method indicates high probability if score is 3 or higher, moderate if score is 1 or 2, and low if score is 0 or lower.

bIn patients with symptoms in both legs, the more symptomatic leg was used.

Population for Whom Deep Vein Thrombosis Should Be Considered

Deep vein thrombosis should be considered in patients with an acutely swollen leg that is causing discomfort, even though it can be bilateral and occur without prominent discomfort.

Detecting the Likelihood of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Because the prediction rule has been validated for the pretest probability and because the likelihood ratio (LR) varies according to the probability estimates and D-dimer assay, it is easier to display the posttest probability estimates without the LRs. Clinicians must know whether their laboratory uses the high-sensitivity D-dimer assay or the moderate-sensitivity assay. The clinical probability estimates must be determined before the D-dimer result is revealed to the clinician. Of all the findings, a negative high sensitivity D-dimer result has the biggest effect on the probability of disease and for many patients will provide evidence that obviates the need for imaging (see Table 18-15).

Probability of Deep Vein Thrombosis After First Determining the Clinical Probability and Then Obtaining the D-dimer Result
View Table||Download (.pdf)
Probability of Deep Vein Thrombosis After First Determining the Clinical Probability and Then Obtaining the D-dimer Result
...
Clinical Probability Estimatesa Probability of DVT After Applying D-dimer Result to the Clinical Probability Estimate, %
High Probability Moderate Probability Low Probability
High-sensitivity D-dimer Positive 63 25

Learning Tools

Critical Appraisal Worksheets
Diagnostic Tests
Differential Diagnosis
Information Cycle Worksheets
Diagnostic Tests
Differential Diagnosis
View All

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.

This site uses cookies to provide, maintain and improve your experience. MH Privacy Center Close