Pulmonary embolism compression ultrasonography
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Synonyms and keywords: Doppler study of the legs, lower extremity noninvasive studies (LENIS)
Editor(s)-In-Chief: The APEX Trial Investigators, C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Compression ultrasonography, also known as a Doppler study of the legs, or lower extremity noninvasive studies (LENIS) is used to evaluate a patient for the presence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities, which can lead to the development of a pulmonary embolism. The presence of a DVT shown by ultrasonography is enough to warrant anticoagulation without a V/Q or spiral CT scans. The decision to anticoagulant patient with a positive compression ultrasound is due to the strong association between deep vein thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism. Compression ultrasonography is not the routine initial method of evaluation in a suspected PE during pregnancy, unless the patient has coexisting symptoms and signs of DVT. In case the compression ultrasound is negative for DVT and there is persistent clinical suspicion of PE, the negative ultrasound does not rule out PE and additional imaging tests are required.