Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis.

Methods:

A group of 37 patients with the clinical diagnosis of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis was evaluated by color Doppler sonography. Twenty two of the patients underwent digital substaction angiography examination. The color Doppler sonography findings of these patients were compared to the venography findings.

Results:

The sensitivity of the color Doppler sonography in detection of thrombosis at the levels of subclavian, axillary, and brachial to distal veins were 90.4%, 95%, and 83.3%, respectively. In overall, for determination of the presence of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis, the sensitivity of the method was 100%.

Conclusions:

Color Doppler sonography is a reliable, non-invasive and inexpensive modality for the evaluation of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis and it can be the first method of choice in suspicion of the disease.