Ultrasound diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis.

The ultrasound diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis by an emergency physician is occurring with increased frequency. The examination is simple to perform and, when combined with a clinical pretest probability or D-dimer, can aid in the rapid disposition ofa patient with lower extremity pain and swelling. The technique and findings of the limited lower extremity ultrasound and the data to support its use in the emergency department are discussed.