J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2006 Feb;41(1):134-139.

The Diagnostic Availability of Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography(MDCT) in Deep Vein Thrombosis Developed after Joint Arthroplasty

• Lee YG
• Kim MK
• Cho KJ
• Kim HG
• Cho JM
• Jeon YS
• Kim JH

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy and availability of Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography (MDCT) and Color Doppler Sonography as a method for making an early diagnosis of DVT after joint arthroplasty.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 71 cases (63 patients) were selected. 32 cases (32 patients) underwent a THRA and 39 cases (31 patients) underwent a TKRA between April 2004 to August 2004. All cases underwent both Color Doppler Sonography and MDCT, before and after surgery. No prophylactic medications for DVT were given. Patients who previously had DVT or pulmonary embolism or a medication history of anticoagulation therapy were excluded.
RESULTS
DVT was found by MDCT in 33 cases (46.5%) and by Color Doppler Sonography in 15 cases (21.1%). In the 33 cases of DVT diagnosed by MDCT, 24 cases developed in the calf vein, among them, only 4 cases were positive and remaining 20 were negative in Color Doppler Sonography. In the 15 cases of DVT diagnosed by Color Doppler Sonography, 13 cases were positive and only 2 cases were negative in MDCT.
CONCLUSION
MDCT is effective in diagnosing DVT after joint arthroplasty in terms of the objectivity, efficacy and accuracy.

Keyword

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT); Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT); Color Doppler sonography

MeSH Terms

Arthroplasty*
Early Diagnosis
Humans
Joints*
Multidetector Computed Tomography
Pulmonary Embolism
Veins
Venous Thrombosis*