1365-2141/asset/olbannerleft.gif?v=1&s=2237887a0dba115836e329b1c5824f93749b814b)
Use of a simplified clinical scoring system and d-dimer testing can reduce the requirement for radiology in the exclusion of deep vein thrombosis by over 20%
Article first published online: 20 DEC 2001
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2001.02607.x
1365-2141/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=340532f3ee73ba9171e38abd4d7f6a926d117661 "British Journal of Haematology")
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How to Cite
Janes, S. and Ashford, N. (2001), Use of a simplified clinical scoring system and d-dimer testing can reduce the requirement for radiology in the exclusion of deep vein thrombosis by over 20%. British Journal of Haematology, 112: 1079–1082. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2001.02607.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 20 DEC 2001
- Article first published online: 20 DEC 2001
- Received 16 July 2000; accepted for publication 18 October 2000
- Abstract
- Article
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Keywords:
- d-dimer;
- clinical score;
- deep vein thrombosis;
- ultrasound;
- low risk
A simplified, robust, clinical assessment, used in conjunction with a d-dimer assay, has been developed to identify patients with a low risk of deep vein thrombosis. These patients did not undergo radiological examination. The protocol has been used by junior doctors in a district general hospital with a predominantly elderly population. Four hundred and thirty-one patients with potential deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb were assessed using this method and 98 (22·7%) did not require further investigation. Of these, one was admitted 5 months later with a pulmonary embolus. None of the other patients subsequently required admission for a thromboembolic event or died during a minimum of 3 months follow-up.