Purpose: Aim of the present study was to establish the value of ultrasound angiography compared with colour duplex sonography and phlebography in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the leg and insufficiency of the perforating vein.
Method: Sixty-two patients with deep venous thrombosis of the leg and 30 patients with post-thrombotic syndrome and perforating vein insufficiency underwent diagnostic examination by colour duplex sonography, ultrasound angiography and phlebography. Endoscopic varicose surgery was taken as the gold standard for diagnosis of perforating vein insufficiency.
Results: In the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis, the specificity of colour duplex sonography was 92% in the thigh, 100% in the popliteal area and 89% in the lower leg. Colour angiography showed higher specificity. 95%, in the lower leg. In a diagnosis of perforating vein insufficiency, accuracy specificity of the three procedures was 60% for colour duplex sonography, 47% for phlebography and 80% for ultrasound angiography.
Conclusions: The diagnosis of venous thromboses in the lower leg can be further improved by means of ultrasound angiography. Ultrasound angiography is the best method for demonstrating insufficiency of the perforating vein.