THERMOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS - A COMPARISON WITH TC-99M PLASMIN TEST, CLINICAL-DIAGNOSIS AND PHLEBOGRAPHY

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 214  (1) , 15-20
Abstract
Thermography, clinical examination and 99mTc-plasmin test were performed in 112 patients and compared with phlebography. The study population consists of consecutive outpatients with symptoms compatible with deep venous thrombosis, who presented during regular clinic hours. Scoring systems were constructed for the clinical and thermographic evaluation. Both thermography and clinical diagnosis were insufficiently sensitive and specific for screening purposes. Plasmin test had a high sensitivity, 95%, but a low specificity. Apparently, a combination of thermography and clinical diagnostic criteria can provide an acceptable screening procedure. Combining thermography with a routine examination by a physician yielded less favorable results.