J Korean Soc Vasc Surg.  2000 Nov;16(2):240-244.

The Value of Computed Tomography (CT) in Diagnosis of Swollen Legs in the Era of Public Health Insurance

• Park KH

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cost effectiveness of Computed Tomography (CT) in diagnosis of leg swelling, Now that the public health insurance became applicable since last year. METHOD: Nineteen patients who had difficulty in diagnosing the causes of leg swelling in physical examination and two patients for follow up underwent CT according to the protocol used since November 1999. RESULT: Eight patients showed deep vein thrombosis including two patients for follow up. Three patients showed compatible findings with lymphedema. Other causes appear to be originated from soft tissue; intramuscular hematoma in two, popliteal cyst rupture in two, multiple abscess in three and unknown origin in one patient. CONCLLUSION: The value of CT screening in the diagnosis of swollen leg should be reconsidered with the lowered cost to the patients.

Keyword

Leg swelling; CT

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Diagnosis*
Follow-Up Studies
Hematoma
Humans
Insurance*
Leg*
Lymphedema
Mass Screening
Physical Examination
Popliteal Cyst
Public Health*
Rupture
Venous Thrombosis