| 1. Joffe HV, Kucher N, Tapson VF, Goldhaber SZ. Upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis: a prospective registry of 592 patients. Circulation. 2004;110(12):1605-1611. |
Observational-Dx |
5388 patients |
To improve the understanding of UEDVT, the authors compared the demographics, symptoms, risk factors, prophylaxis, and initial management of 324 (6%) patients with central venous catheter (CVC)-associated UEDVT, 268 (5%) patients with non-CVC-associated UEDVT, and 4796 (89%) patients with lower-extremity DVT from a prospective US multicenter DVT registry. |
The authors determined that an indwelling CVC was the strongest independent predictor of UEDVT (odds ratio [OR], 7.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.8 to 9.2). An age of <67 years, a BMI of <25 kg/m2, and hospitalization were the independent predictors of non-CVC-associated UEDVT. Most (68%) UEDVT patients were evaluated while they were inpatients. Only 20% of the 378 UEDVT patients who did not have an obvious contraindication to anticoagulation received prophylaxis at the time of diagnosis. UEDVT risk factors differ from the conventional risk factors for lower-extremity DVT. The findings identify deficiencies in the current understanding and the prophylaxis of UEDVT and generate hypotheses for future research efforts. |
3 |
| 2. Kucher N. Clinical practice. Deep-vein thrombosis of the upper extremities. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(9):861-869. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
A review on deep-vein thrombosis of the upper extremities. |
No results stated. |
4 |
| 3. Ersoy H, Steigner ML, Coyner KB, et al. Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome: protocol design and diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography and equilibrium phase imaging on 1.5- and 3-T MRI scanners. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2012; 198(5):1180-1187. |
Observational-Dx |
78 patients |
To evaluate the efficiency and reproducibility of a contrast-enhanced 3D MRA protocol, using the provocative arm position on 1.5- and 3-T MRI scanners, and to determine the frequency and distribution of vascular compression and vascular complications in the thoracic outlet. |
A venous component, which presented with mainly venous symptoms and findings, was confirmed in 85% of the subjects. An arterial component, which presented with clinical symptoms and findings of vascular TOS syndrome, was seen in 82% of the subjects. The vascular component of TOS, which presented with mainly neurogenic or indeterminate symptoms or findings, was excluded in 61% of the subjects. |
3 |
| 4. Abdullah BJ, Mohammad N, Sangkar JV, et al. Incidence of upper limb venous thrombosis associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). Br J Radiol. 2005;78(931):596-600. |
Review/Other-Dx |
26 patients |
To prospectively determine the incidence of venous thrombosis in the upper limbs in patients with PICC. |
No statistical correlation between the site of insertion of the PICC and the location of venous thrombosis. No observed correlation between the occurrence of venous thrombosis with the patient’s history of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiac insufficiency, smoking or cancer. No statistical correlation with the size of the catheter. PICC are associated with a significant risk of UEDVT. |
4 |
| 5. Knudson GJ, Wiedmeyer DA, Erickson SJ, et al. Color Doppler sonographic imaging in the assessment of upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1990;154(2):399-403. |
Observational-Dx |
91 patients 130 extremities |
To determine the accuracy of color Doppler flow imaging in the assessment of UEDVT. |
Sensitivity of the Doppler studies was 78% and the specificity was 92%. Color Doppler flow imaging is an accurate, noninvasive method for the evaluation of UEDVT. Other imaging tests may be required when the color Doppler study is negative and central venous thrombosis is suspected. |
3 |
| 6. Lee AY, Levine MN, Butler G, et al. Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of catheter-related thrombosis in adult patients with cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2006;24(9):1404-1408. |
Review/Other-Dx |
444 patients |
To examine the incidence, risk factors, and long-term complications of symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) in adults with cancer. |
Over 76,713 patient-days of follow-up, 19 of 444 patients (4.3%) had symptomatic CRT in 19 of 500 catheters (0.3 per 1,000 catheter-days). The median time to CRT was 30 days and the median catheter life span was 88 days. Significant baseline risk factors for CRT were: more than one insertion attempt (odds ratio [OR] = 5.5; 95% CI, 1.2 to 24.6; P = .03); ovarian cancer (OR = 4.8; 95% CI, 1.5 to 15.1; P = .01); and previous CVC insertion (OR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.4 to 10.4; P = .01). Nine of the 19 CRT patients were treated with anticoagulants alone, eight patients were treated with anticoagulants and catheter removal, while two patients did not receive anticoagulation. None had recurrent CRT or symptomatic PE. Postphlebitic symptoms were infrequent. |
4 |
| 7. Mustafa S, Stein PD, Patel KC, Otten TR, Holmes R, Silbergleit A. Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. Chest. 2003;123(6):1953-1956. |
Review/Other-Dx |
44,136 patients |
Retrospective review to determine the prevalence of symptomatic UEDVT and its association with symptomatic acute PE in a community teaching hospital. |
Symptomatic upper extremity DVT was diagnosed in 65 of 44,136 patients of all ages (0.15%) [or 64 of 34,567 adult patients >or= 20 years of age; 0.19%]. In seven patients, the upper extremity DVT was shown by venography to extend proximally to the brachiocephalic vein. Among these, the DVT extended to the superior vena cava in two. All of the patients received anticoagulant therapy for upper extremity DVT. No patients developed symptomatic PE. Central lines at the site of the upper extremity DVT were inserted in 39 of 65 patients (60%). Cancer was diagnosed in 30 of 65 patients (46%), 23 cancer patients also had central lines, and 19 patients (29%) had upper extremity DVT with no apparent cause. All patients had swelling of the upper extremities. Erythema over the affected site was present in four patients (6%). Pain was present in 26 patients (40%), although some discomfort due to swelling was present in all patients. |
4 |
| 8. Patel MC, Berman LH, Moss HA, McPherson SJ. Subclavian and internal jugular veins at Doppler US: abnormal cardiac pulsatility and respiratory phasicity as a predictor of complete central occlusion. Radiology. 1999;211(2):579-583. |
Observational-Dx |
21 consecutive patients |
To analyze changes in venous Doppler waveforms of damped or diminished cardiac pulsatility and respiratory phasicity. US findings were compared with phlebographic findings. |
US can be used to establish the presence or absence of thrombosis in the distal portion of the brachiocephalic or subclavian veins, which are inaccessible to direct insonation. |
3 |
| 9. Schmittling ZC, McLafferty RB, Bohannon WT, Ramsey DE, Hodgson KJ. Characterization and probability of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. Ann Vasc Surg. 2004;18(5):552-557. |
Review/Other-Dx |
177 upper extremities of arms |
Retrospective review of patients who underwent color-flow duplex scanning for clinically suspected acute UEDVT. To characterize patient demographics, risk factors, and anatomic distribution of UEDVT to develop a probability model for diagnosis. |
Color-flow duplex scanning identified acute UEDVT in 53 (30%) of the arms examined with deep system involvement in 40 (23%). Of the upper extremities affected, the subclavian was involved in 64%, the axillary in 25%, the internal jugular in 32%, the brachial in 36%, the cephalic in 32%, and the basilic in 47%. Use of this model can help focus clinical suspicion, improve color-flow duplex utilization, and provide timely treatment with anticoagulation. |
4 |
| 10. Spencer FA, Emery C, Lessard D, Goldberg RJ. Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis: a community-based perspective. Am J Med. 2007;120(8):678-684. |
Review/Other-Dx |
483 patients 69 with UEDVT |
Review medical records to examine the magnitude, risk factors, management strategies, and outcomes in a population-based investigation of patients with upper, as compared with lower, extremity DVT diagnosed in 1999. |
Patients with UEDVT represent a clinically important patient population in the community setting. Risk factors, occurrence of PE, and timing and location of venous thromboembolism recurrence differ between patients with upper as compared with lower extremity DVT. |
4 |
| 11. Baarslag HJ, Koopman MM, Reekers JA, van Beek EJ. Diagnosis and management of deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity: a review. Eur Radiol. 2004;14(7):1263-1274. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To describe the clinical background, the imaging modalities that may be employed, treatment options and outcome of patients with upper extremity thrombosis. |
No results stated in abstract. |
4 |
| 12. Baarslag HJ, van Beek EJ, Koopman MM, Reekers JA. Prospective study of color duplex ultrasonography compared with contrast venography in patients suspected of having deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremities. Ann Intern Med. 2002;136(12):865-872. |
Observational-Dx |
126 consecutive patients |
Prospective study of duplex US compared with venography to determine the accuracy of duplex US for diagnosis of UEDVT. |
Sensitivity and specificity of duplex US and venography were 82% (95% CI, 70% to 93%) and 82% (CI, 72% to 92%), respectively. Duplex US may be the method of choice for initial diagnosis of patients with suspected UEDVT. However, in patients with isolated flow abnormalities, contrast venography should be performed. |
1 |
| 13. Ong B, Gibbs H, Catchpole I, Hetherington R, Harper J. Peripherally inserted central catheters and upper extremity deep vein thrombosis. Australas Radiol. 2006;50(5):451-454. |
Review/Other-Dx |
317 scans 115 positive for UEDVT |
Retrospective study of all UEDVT duplex scans was carried out to determine the incidence and risk factors for venous thrombosis in patients with a PICC. |
Three main risk factors identified were; presence of a central line, malignancy and administration of chemotherapy. PICC were the most common central line present. Symptomatic thrombosis occurred in 7% of PICC inserted for chemotherapy compared with 1% of PICC inserted for other reasons. |
4 |
| 14. Prandoni P, Polistena P, Bernardi E, et al. Upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis. Risk factors, diagnosis, and complications. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157(1):57-62. |
Observational-Dx |
58 consecutive patients |
To identify the clinical and laboratory parameters associated with UEDVT, to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic methods for its detection, and to establish the frequency of both early and late complications. |
Central venous catheters, thrombophilic states, and a previous leg vein thrombosis were statistically significantly associated with UEDVT. Sensitivity and specificity of compression US (96% and 93.5%, respectively) and color flow Doppler imaging (100% and 93%, respectively) were comparable and better than those of Doppler US (81% and 77%, respectively). Objective findings suggestive of a PE were recorded in 36% of the patients with UEDVT. After a mean follow-up of 2 years, two patients with UEDVT experienced recurrent thromboembolic events, and four had post-thrombotic sequelae. |
1 |
| 15. Flinterman LE, van Hylckama Vlieg A, Rosendaal FR, Doggen CJ. Venous thrombosis of the upper extremity: effect of blood group and coagulation factor levels on risk. Br J Haematol. 2010;149(1):118-123. |
Observational-Dx |
5000 patients |
To investigate the effect of coagulation factors on risk of venous thrombosis of the upper extremity. |
Odds ratios (OR) were estimated for elevated levels of factor II, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, von Willebrand Factor (VWF), and fibrinogen, low levels of protein C, protein S, and antithrombin, and for blood group non-O. Substantially increased risks of venous thrombosis of the upper extremity were found for patients with high levels (above 90th percentile versus below) of factor VIII (OR: 4.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.2-7.9), VWF (OR: 4.0, 95% CI: 2.1-7.8), fibrinogen (OR: 2.9, 95% CI, 1.5-5.7), and for blood group non-O compared to O (OR: 2.1, 95% CI, 1.3-3.6). The other factors were not associated with an increased risk. Elevated levels of several procoagulant factors are associated with a strongly increased risk of venous thrombosis of the upper extremity. |
3 |
| 16. Mai C, Hunt D. Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis: a review. Am J Med. 2011;124(5):402-407. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To differentiate between primary and secondary upper-extremity deep venous thromboses; assess the risk factors and clinical sequelae associated with upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis, comparing these with lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis; and describe an approach to treatment and prevention of secondary upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis based on clinical evidence. |
No results stated in abstract. |
4 |
| 17. Lam EY, Giswold ME, Moneta GL. Venous and Lymphatic Disease. In: Brunicardi FC, Andersen DK, Billiar TR, et al., eds. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. 8th ed: McGraw-Hill; 2005. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
Book chapter. |
N/A |
4 |
| 18. Agarwal AK, Patel BM, Haddad NJ. Central vein stenosis: a nephrologist's perspective. Semin Dial. 2007;20(1):53-62. |
Review/Other-Tx |
N/A |
A review on central vein stenosis. |
No results stated in abstract. |
4 |
| 19. Hingorani AP, Ascher E, Markevich N, et al. Prospective evaluation of combined upper and lower extremity DVT. Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2006;40(2):131-134. |
Observational-Dx |
227 patients |
Prospective study to evaluate combined upper and lower extremity DVT. |
211 (93%) of 227 patients had lower extremity studies; 45 of these 211 (21%) had acute lower extremity DVT by duplex examination in addition to the UEDVT. 22/211 patients had bilateral lower extremity DVT, and 8 patients were found to have chronic thrombosis of lower extremity veins. Of the patients with bilateral UEDVT, there were 3 with bilateral lower extremity acute DVT. Finally, 8 of the remaining 166 patients (5%) with originally negative lower extremity studies were found to develop a thrombosis at a later date. |
4 |
| 20. Constans J, Salmi LR, Sevestre-Pietri MA, et al. A clinical prediction score for upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. Thromb Haemost. 2008;99(1):202-207. |
Observational-Dx |
140 patients |
To design a clinical prediction score for the diagnosis of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) |
The clinical score identified a combination of four items (venous material, localized pain, unilateral pitting edema and other diagnosis as plausible). One point was attributed to each item (positive for the first 3 and negative for the other diagnosis). A score of -1 or 0 characterized low probability patients, a score of 1 identified intermediate probability patients, and a score of 2 or 3 identified patients with high probability. Low probability score identified a prevalence of UEDVT of 12, 9 and 13%, respectively, in the derivation, validation and OPTIMEV samples. High probability score identified a prevalence of UEDVT of 70, 64 and 69% respectively. I |
3 |
| 21. Merminod T, Pellicciotta S, Bounameaux H. Limited usefulness of D-dimer in suspected deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremities. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2006;17(3):225-226. |
Observational-Dx |
52 consecutive patients |
To provide preliminary data on the potential role of D-dimer testing in clinically suspected UEDVT. |
UEDVT diagnosed in 15 patients (29%). Sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer for the presence of UEDVT, using a diagnostic cutoff value of 500 mg/l, were 100% (95% CI, 78-100) and 14% (95% CI, 4-29), respectively, resulting in PPV and NPV of 32% (95% CI, 19-47) and 100% (95% CI, 47-100), respectively. Results suggest both a high sensitivity and a low specificity of D-dimer in clinically suspected UEDVT, casting doubt about the usefulness of the test in the diagnostic management of this condition. The usefulness of the test in subgroups of patients with suspected UEDVT should be studied in especially designed trials. |
3 |
| 22. Kleinjan A, Di Nisio M, Beyer-Westendorf J, et al. Safety and feasibility of a diagnostic algorithm combining clinical probability, d-dimer testing, and ultrasonography for suspected upper extremity deep venous thrombosis: a prospective management study. Ann Intern Med. 160(7):451-7, 2014 Apr 01. |
Observational-Dx |
406 patients |
To assess the safety and feasibility of a new diagnostic algorithm in patients with clinically suspected UEDVT. |
The algorithm was feasible and completed in 390 of the 406 patients (96%). In 87 patients (21%), an unlikely score combined with normal d-dimer levels excluded UEDVT. Superficial venous thrombosis and UEDVT were diagnosed in 54 (13%) and 103 (25%) patients, respectively. All 249 patients with a normal diagnostic work-up, including those with protocol violations (n = 16), were followed for 3 months. One patient developed UEDVT during follow-up, for an overall failure rate of 0.4% (95% CI, 0.0% to 2.2%). |
4 |
| 23. van Es N, Bleker SM, Di Nisio M, et al. Improving the diagnostic management of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis. J Thromb Haemost. 15(1):66-73, 2017 01. |
Observational-Dx |
406 patients |
To evaluate the performance of the original Constans score, an extended Constans score and an age-adjusted D-dimer positivity threshold |
The original Constans score showed good discriminatory performance (c-statistic, 0.81; 95% confidence internval [CI], 0.76-0.85). An extended Constans score with five additional clinical items improved discriminatory performance and calibration, but this did not translate into a higher efficiency in avoiding imaging tests. Compared with a fixed threshold, age-adjusted D-dimer testing increased the proportion of patients for whom imaging and anticoagulation could be withheld from 21% to 25% (gain, 3.7%; 95% CI, 2.3-6.0%) |
3 |
| 24. van Es N, Bleker SM, Di Nisio M, et al. A clinical decision rule and D-dimer testing to rule out upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in high-risk patients. Thromb Res. 148:59-62, 2016 Dec. |
Observational-Dx |
406 patients |
To demonstrate the feasibility and safety of D-dimer testing and ultrasonography in patients with suspected UEDVT compared to imaging in all. |
The strategy excluded UEDVT in 87 of 406 patients (21%); ultrasonography was withheld in these patients and none developed UEDVT during 3months of follow-up. In contrast, ultrasonography could be withheld in only 4 of 92 patients with a catheter or pacemaker (4.3%; 95% CI: 1.7% to 11%) and in 4 of 83 inpatients (4.8%; 95% CI: 1.9% to 12%). The efficiency was 11% in patients with cancer and 13% in those older than 75 years. |
3 |
| 25. Di Nisio M, Van Sluis GL, Bossuyt PM, Buller HR, Porreca E, Rutjes AW. Accuracy of diagnostic tests for clinically suspected upper extremity deep vein thrombosis: a systematic review. J Thromb Haemost. 2010;8(4):684-692. |
Review/Other-Dx |
17 articles with 793 patients; 2 independent reviewers |
Systematic review was performed to assess whether the diagnostic accuracy of other tests for clinically suspected UEDVT is high enough to justify their use in clinical practice and to evaluate if any test can replace venography. |
Sensitivity (95% CI) was 97% (90%–100%) for compression US, 84% (72%–97%) for Doppler US, 91% (85%–97%) for Doppler US with compression, and 85% (72%–99%) for phleboreography. The corresponding summary estimates of specificity were, respectively, 96% (87%–100%), 94% (86%–100%), 93% (80%–100%), and 87% (71%–100%). Clinical findings, a clinical score, D-dimer, MRI, rheography and plethysmography were evaluated in 1 study each, involving a median number of 46 patients (range 21–214). Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 0% to 100% and from 14% to 100%. Methodological limitations, large between-study differences and small sample sizes limit the evidence of tests for clinically suspected UEDVT. Compression US may be an acceptable alternative to venography. The addition of (color) Doppler does not seem to improve the accuracy. Adequately designed studies are warranted to confirm these findings. |
4 |
| 26. Do B, Mari C, Biswal S, Kalinyak J, Quon A, Gambhir SS. Diagnosis of aseptic deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity in a cancer patient using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (FDG PET/CT). Ann Nucl Med. 2006;20(2):151-155. |
Review/Other-Dx |
1 patient |
To describe a patient with a history of recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and abnormal FDG uptake in the left arm during a re-staging FDG-PET/CT. |
After revision of the patient’s clinical history, tests and physical examination, the abnormal FDG uptake was found to correspond to an extensive aseptic UEDVT. |
4 |
| 27. Gloviczki P, Calcagno D, Schirger A, et al. Noninvasive evaluation of the swollen extremity: experiences with 190 lymphoscintigraphic examinations. J Vasc Surg. 1989;9(5):683-689; discussion 690. |
Observational-Dx |
115 patients; 190 extremities |
Lymphoscintigraphy performed with Tc-99m labeled antimony trisulfide colloid was used as a noninvasive diagnostic examination to evaluate the lymphatic circulation in extremities. |
Semiquantitative evaluation of the lymphatic drainage and visual interpretation of the image patterns were reliable to differentiate lymphedema from edemas of other origin (sensitivity: 92%, specificity: 100%). Lymphoscintigraphy is safe and reliable and has no side effects. It should replace contrast lymphangiography in the routine evaluation of the swollen extremity. |
4 |
| 28. Rondina MT, Lam UT, Pendleton RC, et al. (18)F-FDG PET in the evaluation of acuity of deep vein thrombosis. Clinical Nuclear Medicine. 37(12):1139-45, 2012 Dec. |
Observational-Dx |
Patients - 12 Controls - 24 |
To examine the role of 18F-FDG PET in the evaluation of acute, proximal, symptomatic DVT. The primary hypothesis was that the metabolic activity of thrombosed vein segments would be significantly higher than nonthrombosed vein segments. The secondary hypothesis was that the metabolic activity of thrombosed vein segments would decrease with the time from DVT symptom onset. |
The metabolic activity in thrombosed veins [SUVmax, 2.41 (0.75)] was visually appreciable and significantly higher than in nonthrombosed veins in either the contralateral extremity of patients with DVT [SUVmax, 1.09 (0.25), P = 0.007] or control subjects [1.21 (0.22), P < 0.001]. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for SUVmax was 0.9773 (P < 0.001), indicating excellent accuracy. An SUVmax threshold of greater than 1.645 was 87.5% sensitive and 100% specific for DVT. Metabolic activity in thrombosed veins correlated significantly with time from DVT symptom onset (decrease in SUVmax of 0.02/d, P < 0.05). Best-fit-line analyses suggested that approximately 84 to 91 days after acute DVT, the maximum metabolic activity of thrombosed veins would return to normal levels. |
3 |
| 29. Sharif-Kashani B, Behzadnia N, Shahabi P, Sadr M. Screening for deep vein thrombosis in asymptomatic high-risk patients: a comparison between digital photoplethysmography and venous ultrasonography. Angiology. 2009;60(3):301-307. |
Observational-Dx |
337 limbs in 169 patients |
Prospective study to determine the role of digital photoplethysmography in screening asymptomatic patients who are susceptible for developing DVT. Patients at high risk for development of DVT were assessed by US digital photoplethysmography and the results were compared. |
13 limbs were found to have DVT as demonstrated by US. All limbs with a venous refilling time greater than 12 seconds had a normal US. Compared with US and using refilling time less than 12 seconds as the cutoff point, digital photoplethysmography achieved a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 100%, 73.8%, 13.3%, and 100% respectively, for detecting DVT in asymptomatic high-risk patients. Digital photoplethysmography is a simple, noninvasive, and highly sensitive test for screening of DVT. |
2 |
| 30. Wang YF, Cherng SC, Chiu JS, Su YC, Sheu YT. Application of upper extremity radionuclide venography as a diagnostic approach for Port-A catheter thrombosis. J Chin Med Assoc. 2006;69(8):358-363. |
Review/Other-Dx |
14 symptomatic patients |
To investigate the role of upper extremity radionuclide venography as a potential diagnostic modality in the assessment of venous thrombosis associated with a Port-A catheter. |
The findings of the dynamic images demonstrated clinical problems. Three patients were free of a definite venous flow change. Three patients had partial obstruction of venous return. A significant cut-off of venous return was demonstrated in 8 patients, and total occlusions were hence diagnosed. All patients underwent this procedure smoothly without any complication. Upper extremity radionuclide venography is an easily performed and effective method for diagnosing Port-A catheter thrombosis in clinical practice. |
4 |
| 31. Weissleder R, Elizondo G, Stark DD. Sonographic diagnosis of subclavian and internal jugular vein thrombosis. J Ultrasound Med. 1987;6(10):577-587. |
Review/Other-Dx |
7 patients |
Patients with internal jugular and/or subclavian vein thrombosis were studied with real-time US and venography. High-resolution real-time US was used to tabulate morphologic parameters and physiologic parameters. |
No results stated in abstract. |
4 |
| 32. Chin EE, Zimmerman PT, Grant EG. Sonographic evaluation of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. J Ultrasound Med. 2005;24(6):829-838; quiz 839-840. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To review the techniques of performing an upper extremity Doppler examination, in addition to illustrating the sonographic appearances of acute and chronic UEDVT. |
Color Doppler US is accurate in the diagnosis of UEDVT. However, in cases of equivocal Doppler findings, or when the sonographic findings are normal but clinical suspicion for central venous thrombosis is high, MRI or contrast venography is necessary for further evaluation. |
4 |
| 33. Haire WD, Lynch TG, Lund GB, Lieberman RP, Edney JA. Limitations of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound-directed (duplex) scanning in the diagnosis of subclavian vein thrombosis. J Vasc Surg. 1991;13(3):391-397. |
Review/Other-Dx |
43 arm phlebograms |
Correlate the results of phlebograms with duplex and MRI scans of the thoracic veins to determine the potential role of MRI and duplex scanning in the diagnosis of catheter-induced subclavian vein thrombosis. |
Duplex scans detected 6/11 occlusions, whereas MRI detected 4 of the 5 occlusions scanned. Of 14 nonocclusive thrombi seen on phlebography, duplex scans correctly identified 8. MRI was done on 8 nonocclusive thrombi but identified only 2. Short occlusions of the proximal portion of the left subclavian vein were often undetected by duplex scanning but occasionally seen with MRI. MRI is highly reliable in ruling out the presence of a thrombotic process in the subclavian vein, but it may on occasion fail to detect the presence of subclavian thrombi. |
4 |
| 34. Koksoy C, Kuzu A, Kutlay J, Erden I, Ozcan H, Ergin K. The diagnostic value of colour Doppler ultrasound in central venous catheter related thrombosis. Clin Radiol. 1995;50(10):687-689. |
Observational-Dx |
44 patients |
Prospective study to establish the correlation between color Doppler US observations and venography in detecting catheter-related thrombosis. Criteria used to show the presence of catheter-related thrombosis included visualization of thrombus, absence of spontaneous flow, absence of phasicity of flow with respiration, incompressibility of the vein with probe pressure and visualization of increased venous collaterals. |
Analyzing each variable separately, phasicity of flow with respiration had the highest sensitivity (94%) and spontaneous flow had the highest specificity (100%). The best combinations for diagnosis were visualization of thrombus + phasicity of flow with respiration, phasicity of flow with respiration + spontaneous flow, and visualization of thrombus + phasicity of flow with respiration + spontaneous flow with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 88%. Overall diagnostic value of color Doppler US had a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 96%. |
3 |
| 35. Svensson WE, Mortimer PS, Tohno E, Cosgrove DO. Colour Doppler demonstrates venous flow abnormalities in breast cancer patients with chronic arm swelling. Eur J Cancer. 1994;30A(5):657-660. |
Review/Other-Dx |
81 patients |
Patients with chronic arm swelling related to their breast cancer treatment were examined with color Doppler imaging. Findings are reported. |
Over half (57%) of the patients had evidence of venous outflow obstruction and a further 14% had signs of venous “congestion”. Only 30% of the swollen arms had normal venous outflow. The venous systems of the contralateral non-swollen arms were all normal as were both arms in 28 control patients who had similar treatment but had not developed arm swelling. Findings suggest that venous outflow obstruction is an important contributory factor in the pathophysiology of arm swelling following breast cancer treatment. |
4 |
| 36. Sartori M, Migliaccio L, Favaretto E, et al. Whole-Arm Ultrasound to Rule Out Suspected Upper-Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis in Outpatients. JAMA Intern Med. 175(7):1226-7, 2015 Jul. |
Observational-Dx |
483 participants |
To evaluate the failure rate of ultrasonographic screening for UE-DVT. |
Findings from the ultrasonographic screening at enrollment were normal in 319 patients (66.0%) and inconclusive in 21 (4.3%),who repeated the test after 5 to 7 days. For those who repeated the test, findings from the ultrasonographic screening showed superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) in 1 patient (4.8%) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in 2 patients (9.5%). Of the 337 patients with negative ultrasonographic findings, 5 were lost to follow-up, one 89-year-old man died of infection (the death was not related to PE), and 2 patients (0.60%; 95%CI, 0.16%-2.17%) developed DVT or SVT (1 ipsilaterla DVT after 1 month and 1 SVT after peripheral vein infusion). No PE occurred (0.0%, 95% CI, 0.0%-1.0%). Overall, 1 diagnosis of DVT was missed, for a failure rate of 0.30% (95% CI, 0.05%-1.68%). |
3 |
| 37. Weber TM, Lockhart ME, Robbin ML. Upper extremity venous Doppler ultrasound. Radiol Clin North Am. 2007;45(3):513-524, viii-ix. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To review the role of US in the evaluation of upper extremity venous system. |
US provides an accurate, rapid, low-cost, portable, noninvasive method for screening, mapping, and surveillance of the UEDVT system. |
4 |
| 38. Baxter GM, Kincaid W, Jeffrey RF, Millar GM, Porteous C, Morley P. Comparison of colour Doppler ultrasound with venography in the diagnosis of axillary and subclavian vein thrombosis. Br J Radiol. 1991;64(765):777-781. |
Observational-Dx |
19 patients (30 limbs) |
Prospective study to compare bilateral venography with US for detection of DVT in the upper venous system in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. |
DVT occurred in 29% (19/66) patients. While 15/19 DVT were detected by venography (sensitivity 79%), only 7/19 were detected by US (sensitivity 37%). US is insensitive for DVT in the central upper venous system but may be more sensitive than venography in the jugular veins. A combination of both venography and US is required for screening for DVT in the upper venous system. |
3 |
| 39. Grassi CJ, Polak JF. Axillary and subclavian venous thrombosis: follow-up evaluation with color Doppler flow US and venography. Radiology. 1990;175(3):651-654. |
Review/Other-Dx |
13 patients |
Real-time US and color Doppler flow mapping were used to determine prospectively whether UEDVT could be imaged as accurately as with conventional contrast venography. |
Color Doppler flow US is useful in evaluating UEDVT and might be preferable to venography for follow-up because the discomfort of injection and risk of contrast material-induced phlebitis are eliminated. |
4 |
| 40. Jemcov TK.. Morphologic and functional vessels characteristics assessed by ultrasonography for prediction of radiocephalic fistula maturation. J. vasc. access. 14(4):356-63, 2013 Oct-Dec. |
Observational-Dx |
122 end-stage kidney disease patients |
To investigate and define cut-off values of morphologic and functional vessel parameters influencing successful radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) maturation using ultrasound. |
Only 11% of patients failed to achieve a mature radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF). Successful AVF maturation occurred in 53% of patients and prolonged maturation in 36% of patients. ROC analysis defined the limits of variables relevant for RCAVF success [cephalic vein (CVd) >1.8 mm, radial artery (ARd) >1.6 mm, venous distensibility (VD) >0.4 mm]. Female sex was associated with prolonged maturation (OR 0.35, 95% CI=0.17-0.72; P=0.005) having a significantly smaller ARd (1.83 vs. 2.01 mm, P=0.01) but better flow mediated dilatation (FMD) (2981.5 vs. 2689.5, P=0.02) compared to men. |
3 |
| 41. Wo K, Morrison BJ, Harada RN. Developing Duplex Ultrasound Criteria for Diagnosis of Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis. Ann Vasc Surg. 38:99-104, 2017 Jan. |
Observational-Dx |
281 patients |
To determine the best color-flow duplex ultrasound (US) criteria for the detection of significant stenoses in arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) by comparing US with the angiographic gold standard. |
This study included 780 cases of stenotic accesses (47 brachiobasilic, 361 brachiocephalic, and 372 radiocephalic). PSVs (positive predictive values) of greater or less than 500 cm/s predicted a 50% or greater stenosis with a sensitivity of 89% (95% confidence interval 87-91) and PPV of 99% (99-100). At lower PSVs, sensitivity and PPV remained high; however, there were an increased number of false positive cases compared with those at 500 cm/sec or greater. The SVR (systolic velocity ratio) was unreliable in predicting the degree of stenosis in AVF (arteriovenous fistula). |
3 |
| 42. Gaitini D, Beck-Razi N, Haim N, Brenner B. Prevalence of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis diagnosed by color Doppler duplex sonography in cancer patients with central venous catheters. J Ultrasound Med. 2006;25(10):1297-1303. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To review the literature concerning UEDVT diagnosed by color Doppler duplex US in cancer patients with indwelling central venous catheters. |
Color Doppler duplex US is an accurate examination for the diagnosis of UEDVT, with sensitivity ranging from 78% to 100% and specificity ranging from 82% to 100%. |
4 |
| 43. Haire WD, Lynch TG, Lieberman RP, Lund GB, Edney JA. Utility of duplex ultrasound in the diagnosis of asymptomatic catheter-induced subclavian vein thrombosis. J Ultrasound Med. 1991;10(9):493-496. |
Review/Other-Dx |
32 subclavian catheters |
Prospective study to determine the usefulness of duplex US in the diagnosis of asymptomatic catheter-induced subclavian vein thrombosis. |
16 arm venograms were normal and all gave normal duplex scans. 11 venograms demonstrated nonocclusive mural thrombi. Only 3 of these were seen with duplex US. Five totally occlusive thrombi were seen on venography, of which only 2 were detected with duplex US. The insensitivity of this technique to asymptomatic subclavian thrombi limits its usefulness as a screening tool. |
4 |
| 44. Ono A, Murase K, Taniguchi T, et al. Deep venous thrombosis: diagnostic value of non-contrast-enhanced MR venography using electrocardiography-triggered three-dimensional half-Fourier FSE. Magn Reson Med. 64(1):88-97, 2010 Jul. |
Observational-Dx |
41 legs of 32 consecutive patients. |
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of non-contrast-enhanced MR venography using both the flow-refocused fresh-blood imaging (FR-FBI) and the swap phase-encode arterial double-subtraction elimination (SPADE) techniques for detecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as compared using conventional X-ray venography as the reference standard. |
Twenty-five of the 32 patients had nonmagnetizing, metal implants they had received during hip or leg surgery. Two radiologists independently assessed the MR venograms as either diagnostic or nondiagnostic and with either the presence or absence of thrombi. The sensitivities of flow-refocused fresh-blood imaging (FR-FBI) and swap phase-encode arterial double-subtraction elimination (SPADE) for diagnosing thrombus were 100% (53 of 53) for both reviewers. Nondiagnostic segments were excluded from this analysis. The corresponding specificities were 100% (238 of 238 for reviewer A) and 99.6% (237 of 238 for reviewer B). The interobserver agreement regarding the MR images for the assessment of thrombosis was high (k 5 0.92). |
1 |
| 45. Baarslag HJ, Van Beek EJ, Reekers JA. Magnetic resonance venography in consecutive patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity: initial experience. Acta Radiol. 2004;45(1):38-43. |
Observational-Dx |
44 patients |
To assess the feasibility and accuracy of two MRV methods in a consecutive series of patients with suspected UEDVT. |
The sensitivity and specificity of time of flight MRV vs gadolinium 3D-MRV was 71% and 89% vs 50% and 80%, respectively. A high number of patients were unable to undergo MRV in this setting. Contrast-enhanced MRV did not improve diagnostic accuracy. The clinical utility of MRV in the setting of suspected UEDVT seems disappointing. |
2 |
| 46. Finn JP, Zisk JH, Edelman RR, et al. Central venous occlusion: MR angiography. Radiology. 1993;187(1):245-251. |
Review/Other-Dx |
30 patients |
To evaluate usefulness of time-of-flight MRA in patients with suspected thoracic venous occlusion by comparing MR studies with contrast venography results. |
Correlation was excellent between findings of venous obstruction and occlusion at contrast venography and MRA. MRI provided more comprehensive information than catheter venography on central venous anatomy and blood flow. For evaluation of central veins, MRA is an accurate and graphic technique that may succeed in cases in which other methods may give inadequate findings or may be impossible to perform. |
4 |
| 47. Ho VB, Corse WR, Hood MN, Rowedder AM. Magnetic resonance angiography of the thoracic vessels. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of North America. 2004;12(4):727-747. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
A review on MRA of the thoracic vessels. |
No results stated. |
4 |
| 48. Harigai M, Okada T, Umeoka S, et al. Non-contrast-enhanced MR venography of the upper limb: a comparative study of acquisitions with fresh blood imaging vs. time-of-flight methods. Clin Imaging. 2012; 36(5):496-501. |
Observational-Dx |
19 healthy volunteers |
To determine whether FBI-MRV is superior to TOF-MRV in the visualization of upper venous structures and compare its visualization capabilities on three major veins — the basilic, brachial, and cephalic veins — and on small venous branches of the upper arm. |
The average scores ± standard deviation for visualization by FBI-MRV/TOF-MRV were 2.05±0.62/1.16±0.96, 2.00±0.75/1.47 ±0.51, 1.89±0.88/2.16±0.69, and 2.42±0.61/0.47±0.51, respectively, for the basilic, brachial, cephalic veins, and small venous branches. FBI-MRV had significantly superior visualization of the basilic vein (P=.0026; Fig. 1). Scores for the brachial vein were higher in FBI-MRV than in TOF-MRV without attaining statistical significance (P=.04), after correction for multiple comparisons. Visualization at the axilla was occasionally degraded in both MRV methods, which decreased the average scores of the basilic and brachial veins. TOF-MRV had a higher average score than FBI-MRV for the cephalic vein, but no statistically significant difference was observed (P=.41). Small venous branches were visualized more conspicuously in FBI-MRV (P=.0001). No significant difference was observed (P=.32) in the average scores of incomplete fat suppression that impaired visualization of the venous structures between FBI-MRV (0.53±0.77) and TOF-MRV (0.58±0.69). However, residual fat signal occasionally deteriorated visualization, especially around the shoulder in FBI-MRV. |
3 |
| 49. Lim RP, Hornsey E, Ranatunga D, et al. Upper extremity non-contrast magnetic resonance venography (MRV) compared to contrast enhanced MRV and ultrasound. Clin Imaging. 45:51-57, 2017 Sep - Oct. |
Observational-Dx |
10 subjects |
To assess feasibility, image quality and measured venous caliber of non-contrast MRV (NC-MRV) of central and upper extremity veins, compared to contrast-enhanced MRV (CE-MRV) and ultrasound (US) in healthy volunteers |
Non-contrast MRV (NC-MRV) is feasible, with inferior IQ but comparable venous caliber measurements contrast-enhanced MRV (CE-MRV) (mean 7.9+/-4.58 mm vs. 7.83+/-4.62, p=0.13). Slightly larger upper limb caliber measurements were derived for NC-MRV and CE-MRV compared to US (NC-MRV 5.2+/-1.8 mm, CE-MRV 4.9+/-1.6 mm, US 4.5+/-1.8 mm, both p<0.001). |
2 |
| 50. Hansen ME, Spritzer CE, Sostman HD. Assessing the patency of mediastinal and thoracic inlet veins: value of MR imaging. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1990;155(6):1177-1182. |
Observational-Dx |
31 patients |
Review hospital records and MR studies to assess the accuracy of MRI in the evaluation of patients with suspected thoracic venous obstruction. |
MRI correctly identified abnormality in 32/34 vessels (sensitivity 94%). In all cases, a negative MR study was found to be a true negative (no false positives in 42 normal vessels; specificity, 100%). |
3 |
| 51. See TC, Patterson AJ, Hilliard NJ, et al. Gadofosveset-enhanced thoracic MR venography: a comparative study evaluating steady state imaging versus conventional first-pass time-resolved dynamic imaging. Acta Radiol. 59(4):418-424, 2018 Apr. |
Observational-Dx |
29 patients |
To assess the clinical utility of Gadofesveset-enhanced imaging and compare an optimized steady-state (SS) sequence against conventional first-pass dynamic multi-phase (DMP) imaging. |
Steady-state (SS) had significantly better image quality than dynamic multi-phase (DMP) (3.14 +/- 0.73 and 2.92 +/- 0.60, respectively; P < 0.001). SS identified fewer stenoses (>50%) than DMP; the differences in stenosis categorizations was statistically significant ( P = 0.013). There was no significant difference in the proportions of vessels with thromboses ( P = 0.617). DMP produced more artifacts than SS (101 versus 85); however, the difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.073). |
3 |
| 52. Dronkers CEA, Klok FA, van Haren GR, et al. Diagnosing upper extremity deep vein thrombosis with non-contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Direct Thrombus Imaging: A pilot study. Thromb Res. 163:47-50, 2018 03. |
Observational-Dx |
3 adult patients |
To test the feasibility of diagnosing UEDVT with Magnetic Resonance Direct Thrombus Imaging (MRDTI) and Three Dimensional Turbo Spin-echo Spectral Attenuated Inversion Recovery (3D TSE-SPAIR). |
MRDTI and 3D TSE-SPAIR were performed in 3 pilot patients who were already diagnosed with UEDVT by ultrasonography or contrast venography. In all patients, UEDVT diagnosis could be confirmed by MRDTI and 3D TSE-SPAIR in all vein segments. In conclusion, this study showed that non-contrast MRDTI and 3D TSE-SPAIR sequences may be feasible tests to diagnose UEDVT. However diagnostic accuracy and management studies have to be performed before these techniques can be routinely used in clinical practice. |
4 |
| 53. American College of Radiology. Manual on Contrast Media. Available at: https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Contrast-Manual. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To assist radiologists in recognizing and managing risks associated with the use of contrast media. |
No abstract available. |
4 |
| 54. Blume U, Orbell J, Waltham M, Smith A, Razavi R, Schaeffter T. 3D T(1)-mapping for the characterization of deep vein thrombosis. MAGMA. 2009;22(6):375-383. |
Review/Other-Dx |
phantom and 8 healthy volunteers; 5 patients with DVT |
To investigate fast T (1)-mapping for the characterization of DVT. Accuracy and reproducibility of the T (1)-mapping sequence was tested in phantoms and in healthy volunteers on a 1.5 T clinical scanner using a 32-channel array coil. |
Results of phantom and volunteer study showed a high accuracy and reproducibility for the quantification of T (1). The resolution of the T (1)-maps was high enough to identify small anatomical structures. T (1) values derived for normal blood and various other tissues were comparable to those reported in the literature. In all patients, the T (1) times of thrombi showed decreased values (T (1) = 843 +/- 91 ms) in the acute phase and recovered back to normal values of blood (T (1) = 1,317 +/- 36 ms) after 6 months. Measurement of all relevant T (1) values of acute thrombi and normal blood achieved accurate and reproducible results in vivo. Fast T (1) quantification of the thrombus can provide information about tissue characteristics such as thrombus resolution. Such a quantitative MRI technique may be valuable in studying the factors that influence natural resolution and in evaluating treatment effects that enhance this process. |
4 |
| 55. Pedrosa I, Morrin M, Oleaga L, Baptista J, Rofsky NM. Is true FISP imaging reliable in the evaluation of venous thrombosis? AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2005;185(6):1632-1640. |
Observational-Dx |
25 MR exams in 24 patients; 2 independent reviewers |
Retrospective study to evaluate the accuracy of true FISP in the diagnosis of venous thrombosis using gadolinium-enhanced 3D T1-weighted gradient-echo images and correlative imaging as the gold standard. |
Venous thrombosis was present in 25 veins in 18 patients. True FISP images had a lower sensitivity (66%) and specificity (70.9%) for the diagnosis of venous thrombosis than gadolinium-enhanced MR images (P<0.01). True FISP images have lower sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of venous thrombosis than gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted gradient-echo images. True FISP images should not be used exclusively for the diagnosis of venous thrombosis. |
3 |
| 56. Lindquist CM, Karlicki F, Lawrence P, Strzelczyk J, Pawlyshyn N, Kirkpatrick ID. Utility of balanced steady-state free precession MR venography in the diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 194(5):1357-64, 2010 May. |
Observational-Dx |
64 patients |
To determine the sensitivity and specificity of balanced steady-state free precession MR venography in the diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. |
MR venography had a sensitivity of 94.7%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 97.7% for the diagnosis of all thrombi. For acute thrombi, the MR venography and ultrasound results were completely concordant. MR venography depicted greater proximal extent in five of 18 cases in which thrombosis was found. The MR venographic findings agreed completely with the ultrasound findings in determination of thrombus age. For both ultrasound and MR venography, interobserver agreement was 100% on a per-patient basis. No statistical difference was identified in the diagnostic performance of the two techniques. |
2 |
| 57. Cantwell CP, Cradock A, Bruzzi J, Fitzpatrick P, Eustace S, Murray JG. MR venography with true fast imaging with steady-state precession for suspected lower-limb deep vein thrombosis. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2006;17(11 Pt 1):1763-1769. |
Experimental-Dx |
24 patients |
Prospective study of randomly selected patients to compare true FISP MRV for suspected DVT with contrast agent-enhanced venography. |
When results were analyzed on a per-patient basis, there was good agreement between contrast venography and MRV (kappa=0.64; 95% CI, 0.33-0.94; P=.0001). When the venous system was analyzed on a segmental basis, there was very good agreement between contrast venography and MRV (kappa=0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.94; P=.0001). The sensitivity and specificity for DVT detection were 100% for the iliac and popliteal segments and 100% and 98%, 68% and 94%, and 87% and 98%, respectively, for the femoral, below-knee, and all veins. MRV with axial true FISP allows noninvasive rapid diagnosis of acute DVT in the iliac, femoral, popliteal, and calf muscle veins. MRV is much less reliable in the tibial or peroneal veins. It may demonstrate a nonvenous cause of a patient’s symptoms. |
1 |
| 58. Miyazaki M, Sugiura S, Tateishi F, Wada H, Kassai Y, Abe H. Non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography using 3D ECG-synchronized half-Fourier fast spin echo. J Magn Reson Imaging. 12(5):776-83, 2000 Nov. |
Review/Other-Dx |
16 healthy volunteers |
To report findings for patients examined with a non-CE-MRA using 3D ECG-synchronized half-Fourier FSE. |
In the thoracic and abdominal regions, good-quality 3D MRA images were obtained. Furthermore, the weighted subtraction of two images in different phases provides contrast enhancement between arteries and veins. |
4 |
| 59. Vogt FM, Herborn CU, Goyen M. MR venography. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2005;13(1):113-129, vi. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To review existing MR techniques used for the assessment of the venous system and summarize the clinical experience. New applications that are likely to increase the use of MRV in clinical practice are also reviewed. |
MR venography has successfully shown its potential to evaluate DVT, central venous pathology, and anatomic variants such as venous malformations with high accuracy and has become a supplementary imaging technique to conventional venography, duplex sonography, and CT. Technical limitations, high cost, limited availability, and logical constraints still prevent widespread clinical use, however. |
4 |
| 60. Spritzer CE. Progress in MR imaging of the venous system. Perspect Vasc Surg Endovasc Ther. 2009;21(2):105-116. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To review the utility of MRI/MRV in the assessment of common venous problems. |
No results stated in abstract. |
4 |
| 61. Denson K, Morgan D, Cunningham R, et al. Incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients with traumatic brain injury. Am J Surg. 2007;193(3):380-383; discussion 383-384. |
Review/Other-Dx |
5,787 patients |
To review the incidence of venous thromboembolism in critically injured patients with an isolated traumatic brain injury using a standardized venous duplex color-flow Doppler imaging program and to compare it with the overall and high-risk trauma populations. |
539 (9%) of 5,787 were deemed high-risk for venous thromboembolism. The incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients with isolated traumatic brain injury (88, 16%) was 25%. All patients and the high-risk population had incidences of 2% and 17%, respectively. The incidence of venous thromboembolism in isolated traumatic brain injury is greatest in patients with intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Early venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is warranted in traumatic brain injury patients. |
4 |
| 62. Tanju S, Sancak T, Dusunceli E, Yagmurlu B, Erden I, Sanlidilek U. Direct contrast-enhanced 3D MR venography evaluation of upper extremity deep venous system. Diagn Interv Radiol. 2006;12(2):74-79. |
Observational-Dx |
19 patients |
To compare MRV and conventional angiograms to determine the diagnostic value of direct contrast-enhanced 3D MRV in mapping the UEDVT and to plan potential interventional procedures. |
Results of MRV and conventional angiography were consistent with each other (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity). Direct contrast-enhanced 3D MRV is a well-tolerated sensitive technique in explaining the cause of the malfunctioning arterio-venous fistulas and in pre-surgical planning before placing new catheters or creating fistulas. |
2 |
| 63. Vymazal J, Spuentrup E, Cardenas-Molina G, et al. Thrombus imaging with fibrin-specific gadolinium-based MR contrast agent EP-2104R: results of a phase II clinical study of feasibility. Invest Radiol. 2009;44(11):697-704. |
Observational-Dx |
52 total patients: patients with confirmed thrombus in the venous system (n 14), or heart, or arterial system (n 38) |
To determine the feasibility of detecting thrombi using a fibrin-specific gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, EP-2104R. |
Overall, 29 thrombi were visible before contrast administration, 3 of 14 in the venous system, and 26 of 38 in the arteries and heart. Thrombi generally enhanced in signal after EP-2104R injection, and an additional 7 were visualized. After contrast, 4 of 14 thrombi were visible in the venous system, and 32 of 38 in the arteries and heart. Thrombi were more conspicuous when imaged at 2 to 6 hours post EP-2104R compared with within 1 hour, because of lower blood background. Quantitatively, the post: pre signal intensity ratio was 1.90 at 2 to 6 hours post injection (standard deviation = 1.08, N = 20, P < 0.001); and 2.04 (standard deviation = 1.29, N = 19, P < 0.0025) for the 20 to 36 hours time point. There were no serious adverse events considered related to study drug. |
2 |
| 64. Kim CY, Mirza RA, Bryant JA, et al. Central veins of the chest: evaluation with time-resolved MR angiography. Radiology. 2008;247(2):558-566. |
Observational-Dx |
27 consecutive patients; 6 reviewers |
To retrospectively assess the diagnostic performance of time-resolved MRA in the detection of stenoses and occlusions in the central veins of the chest, with angiographic and surgical findings and consensus readings serving as the reference standard. |
The addition of time-resolved angiographic images to the high-spatial-resolution images resulted in improved specificity in the detection of venous occlusions (0.99 vs 0.96, P = .03), in reader confidence (P < .001), and in the ability to infer the side of injection (83% correct compared with 32% correct, P < .001), without increasing the average time required for study interpretation. Use of time-resolved angiographic data sets as a stand-alone technique had high sensitivity (0.95) but only moderate specificity (0.56) in the detection of venous stenoses or occlusions. |
2 |
| 65. Nael K, Moriarty JM, Finn JP. Low dose CE-MRA. Eur J Radiol. 2011;80(1):2-8. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To review existing state-of-the-art 3D CE-MRA strategies to reduce contrast dose and summarize current applications and clinical experience to date. The article also highlights evolving techniques, which the authors feel are likely to enhance the future impact of CE-MRA. |
Low-dose and reduced-dose protocols for CE-MRA are practical and reproducible in the carotids, chest, abdomen and lower extremities. The higher the baseline SNR, the more the potential for contrast dose reduction, so that 3.0 T field strength, multi-channel RF architecture and high relaxivity contrast agents may support aggressive dose reduction strategies. Attention to detail in contrast infusion and image acquisition protocols is mandatory for reproducibility and quality control. Finally TR-MRA with ultra-low-dose contrast is likely to play an important role in patients at elevated risk of NSF. |
4 |
| 66. Ruehm SG, Kroeger K, Bosk S, Massing S, Mteiescu S, Debatin JF. Thromboembolic disease: Assessment with whole body MR venography. Academic Radiology. 2005;12(5):S63. |
Observational-Dx |
30 patients |
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of a comprehensive MR protocol comprising MRA of the pulmonary arteries and whole body MRV for the detection of thromboembolic disease. |
For the detection of venous thrombosis, MRV showed an overall sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 93%, respectively. |
3 |
| 67. Nael K, Krishnam M, Ruehm SG, Michaely HJ, Laub G, Finn JP. Time-resolved MR angiography in the evaluation of central thoracic venous occlusive disease. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2009;192(6):1731-1738. |
Observational-Dx |
20 consecutive patients; 2 independent reviewers |
Retrospective study to assess the feasibility and diagnostic performance of time-resolved MRA in the evaluation of central thoracic venous occlusive disease and to compare time-resolved MRA with conventional MRA and catheter angiography. Observers were blinded to demographic information and other correlative imaging findings. |
Time-resolved MRA resulted in diagnostic-quality images that did not differ significantly in quality compared with conventional MRA. 31 segmental venous stenoses were identified. The kappa coefficient revealed moderate intermodality agreement (kappa = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32-0.76) between time-resolved MRA and conventional MRA. When compared with catheter angiography, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of significant stenosis (=70%) were 87.5% and 68% for time-resolved MRA and 90% and 90% for conventional MRA, respectively. Time-resolved MRA has the potential to be used as an initial and screening diagnostic tool obviating conventional MRA and its associated higher contrast dose in normal and near-normal examinations. However, because of its relatively lower specificity, adjunct use of conventional MRA is still required for accurate grading of venous occlusive disease. |
2 |
| 68. Pinto C, Hickey R, Carroll TJ, et al. Time-resolved MR angiography with generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition and time-resolved echo-sharing angiographic technique for hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas and grafts. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2006;17(6):1003-1009. |
Observational-Dx |
11 patients |
To evaluate the imaging of hemodialysis arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and grafts with use of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography with generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA) and time-resolved echo-sharing angiographic technique (TREAT) and compare the findings with those of digital subtraction angiography (DSA). |
A total of 80 segments were evaluated by each observer. For both observers, sensitivity rates for the detection of stenosis, occlusion, and any disease were 100% (95% CI, 52%-100%), 100% (95% CI, 20%-100%), and 100% (95% CI, 60%-100%), respectively. For observer 1, specificity rates for the detection of stenosis, occlusion, and any disease were 96% (95% CI, 88%-99%), 100% (95% CI, 94%-100%), and 96% (95% CI, 88%-99%), respectively. For observer 2, the specificity rates for the detection of stenosis, occlusion, and any disease were 93% (95% CI, 84%-98%), 100% (95% CI, 94%-100%), and 93% (95% CI, 84%-97%), respectively. Linear-weighted kappa values for MR angiography and DSA were 0.78+/-0.084 and 0.62+/-0.152, respectively. |
2 |
| 69. Sampson FC, Goodacre SW, Thomas SM, van Beek EJ. The accuracy of MRI in diagnosis of suspected deep vein thrombosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Radiol. 2007; 17(1):175-181. |
Meta-analysis |
14 articles |
Systematic review of literature and meta-analysis to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for DVT. |
Pooled estimate of sensitivity was 91.5% (95% CI: 87.5%-94.5%) and the pooled estimate of specificity was 94.8% (95% CI: 92.6%-96.5%). Sensitivity for proximal DVT was higher than sensitivity for distal DVT (93.9% vs 62.1%). Individual studies reported sensitivity ranging from zero to 100%, while specificity ranged from 43% to 100%. MRI has equivalent sensitivity and specificity to US for diagnosis of DVT, but has been evaluated in many fewer studies, using a variety of different techniques. |
Good |
| 70. Panzironi G, Rainaldi R, Ricci F, Casale A, De Vargas Macciucca M. Gray-scale and color Doppler findings in bilateral internal jugular vein thrombosis caused by anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid. J Clin Ultrasound. 2003;31(2):111-115. |
Review/Other-Dx |
1 patient |
To report the sonographic findings in a case of bilateral internal jugular vein thrombosis with mild symptoms. |
There was evidence of direct infiltration of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma into the left internal jugular vein. Sonographic and CT examinations also demonstrated multiple dilated collateral veins. |
4 |
| 71. Stam J. Thrombosis of the cerebral veins and sinuses. N Engl J Med. 2005;352(17):1791-1798. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To review pathogenesis of sinus thrombosis, risk factors, clinical and radiologic diagnosis and current evidence and controversies about the best treatment. |
Sinus thrombosis remains a diagnostic challenge and a potentially disabling or lethal disease, but improved diagnosis and treatment now result in an excellent outcome for most patients. |
4 |
| 72. Kim HC, Chung JW, Yoon CJ, et al. Collateral pathways in thoracic central venous obstruction: three-dimensional display using direct spiral computed tomography venography. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2004;28(1):24-33. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To illustrate the spectrum of venous collateral pathways caused by the thoracic central venous obstruction with direct spiral CT venography and 3D reconstruction images. |
Venous structures that can be demonstrated with CT venography include the jugular veins; the subclavian and brachiocephalic (innominate) veins; the internal and lateral thoracic veins; the superior and inferior venae cavae; the pericardiophrenic veins; the azygos, hemiazygos, and accessory hemiazygos veins; and the intercostal veins. |
4 |
| 73. Sabharwal R, Boshell D, Vladica P. Multidetector spiral CT venography in the diagnosis of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. Australas Radiol. 2007;51 Suppl:B253-256. |
Review/Other-Dx |
1 patient |
To present a case which demonstrates the limitations in diagnostic accuracy of US in the diagnosis of UEDVT. |
Multidetector spiral CT continues to evolve as a state of the art imaging modality and this case demonstrates the role and value of multidetector spiral CT venography in the diagnosis of UEDVT. |
4 |
| 74. Arrive L, Crema MD, Lewin M, et al. Computed tomography features of acute thrombosis of central veins with perivenous inflammatory changes. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2007;31(6):931-935. |
Review/Other-Dx |
13 patients with acute DVT of 21 central veins |
To examine the CT findings in patients with acute DVT of central veins of the neck, chest, and abdomen in whom major perivenous inflammatory changes were noted. |
The perivenous changes took the form of a rounded or lobulated perivenous bulky mass (massive pattern or tumor like) in 5 patients and of infiltrative changes in the other 8 patients. Direct visualization of the thrombotic vein was possible in 8 patients. Follow-up examinations (range, 6-36 months; mean, 15 months) demonstrated resolution of perivenous inflammatory changes with anticoagulation therapy in all cases. Perivenous inflammatory changes around the thrombotic vein presented as a rounded or lobulated perivenous bulky mass that may mimic a tumor or as infiltrative perivenous changes. |
4 |
| 75. Kim H, Chung JW, Park JH, et al. Role of CT venography in the diagnosis and treatment of benign thoracic central venous obstruction. Korean J Radiol. 2003;4(3):146-152. |
Observational-Dx |
18 patients; 2 observers |
CT venography and digital subtraction venography were compared to evaluate the role of CT venography in the diagnosis and treatment of benign thoracic central venous obstruction. |
In all patients, CT venography depicted the causes of obstruction, including extrinsic compression of the left brachiocephalic vein, and mediastinal inflammatory pseudotumor. Interobserver agreement regarding classification of the degree of obstruction was judged as good for CT venography ( =0.864), and in evaluating this, there was significant correlation between CT venography and digital subtraction venography (reader 1: Rs = 0.58, p < 0.01; reader 2: Rs = 0.56, p < 0.01). In evaluating the status of central veins proximal to long segmental obstruction, and associated thrombosis, CT venography was superior to digital subtraction venography. In half of all patients, the findings of CT venography led to changes in the treatment plan. |
1 |
| 76. Pacheco H, Yesenko SL, Gornik HL, Abizer S, Bartholomew JR. Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Diagnosed Using Duplex Ultrasound. Journal for Vascular Ultrasound. 2009;33(4):184-187. |
Review/Other-Dx |
1 patient |
To describe the case of a 52-year-old female patient with a history of bilateral upper-extremity swelling and pain and a past history of bilateral subclavian DVT. |
The duplex examination revealed normal color flow and a respirophasic pulsed Doppler waveform in the subclavian veins bilaterally with the patient lying supine in the resting position. With abducting the arms, significant changes were noted. Occlusion of the subclavian vein was observed at its proximal segment with absent color flow and pulsed Doppler spectrum. Flow was reestablished after having the patient relax her arm to its resting position. These findings were documented in both the right and left subclavian veins. There was no evidence of residual DVT or venous reflux on either side. |
4 |
| 77. Akita S, Mitsukawa N, Kazama T, et al. Comparison of lymphoscintigraphy and indocyanine green lymphography for the diagnosis of extremity lymphoedema. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2013;66(6):792-798. |
Observational-Dx |
169 limbs in 95 secondary patients and 65 limbs in 39 idiopathic patients |
To compare the utility of lymphoscintigraphy and indocyanine green lymphography for patients with suspected extremity lymphoedema and for those in whom surgical treatment of lymphoedema was under consideration. |
In secondary oedema, the sensitivity of indocyanine green lymphography, compared with lymphoscintigraphy, was 0.972, the specificity was 0.548 and the accuracy was 0.816. When patients with lymphoscintigraphy type I and indocyanine green lymphography stage I were regarded as negative, the sensitivity of the indocyanine green lymphography was 0.978, the specificity was 0.925 and the accuracy was 0.953. There was a significant positive correlation between the lymphoscintigraphy type and the indocyanine green lymphography stage. In idiopathic oedema, the sensitivity of indocyanine green lymphography was 0.974, the specificity was 0.778 and the accuracy was 0.892. |
3 |
| 78. Infante JR, Garcia L, Laguna P, et al. Lymphoscintigraphy for differential diagnosis of peripheral edema: diagnostic yield of different scintigraphic patterns. Rev Esp Med Nucl Imagen Mol. 2012;31(5):237-242. |
Observational-Dx |
61 patients |
To evaluate the usefulness of radionuclide studies in the differential diagnosis of edema, and the diagnostic yield of different scintigraphic patterns. |
The best diagnostic yield was achieved by considering dermal backflow and asymmetry in inguinal/axillary nodes (accuracy 88.9%, specificity 96.4%, and PPV 95.5%). Evaluation of intermediate lymph nodes and presence of collateral pathways contributed little to the diagnostic yield, showing poor sensitivity and high false positive rates. |
3 |
| 79. Raju S, Furrh JBt, Neglen P. Diagnosis and treatment of venous lymphedema. J Vasc Surg. 2012;55(1):141-149. |
Observational-Dx |
443 CEAP C(3) limbs |
To show that (1) routine use of intravascular US can detect venous obstruction missed by traditional venous testing, and (2) iliac-caval venous stenting can yield satisfactory clinical relief and can sometimes reverse abnormal lymphangiographic findings. |
Clinical features were a poor guide to the diagnosis of lymphedema. Isotope lymphangiography was not helpful in differentiating primary from secondary lymphedema. Venography had 61% sensitivity to the diagnosis of venous obstruction. Intravascular US had a sensitivity of 88% for significant (=50% area stenosis) venous obstruction. At 40 months, cumulative secondary stent patency was similar for the abnormal (100%) and normal lymphangiographic (95%) groups. Swelling improved significantly after stent placement in the abnormal lymphangiographic group (mean [standard deviation] swelling grade improvement 0.8 +/- 1.1) but was less (P<.004) than in the control group (1.4 +/- 1.3). Complete swelling relief was 16% and 44% (P<.001) and partial improvement (=1 grade of swelling) was 45% and 66% (P<.01) in the abnormal and normal lymphangiographic groups, respectively. Associated pain was present in 50% and 36% of the swollen limbs in the abnormal and normal lymphangiographic groups. Pain relief (=3 visual analog scale) at 40 months was 87% and 83%, respectively (P = .3), with 65% and 71%, experiencing complete pain relief. Quality of life criteria improved after stent placement in both groups but to a better extent in the normal lymphangiographic group. Abnormal lymphangiography improved or normalized in 9/36 (25%) of those tested after stent correction. |
3 |
| 80. Liu NF, Yan ZX, Wu XF. Classification of lymphatic-system malformations in primary lymphoedema based on MR lymphangiography. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 44(3):345-9, 2012 Sep. |
Review/Other-Dx |
378 patients |
To investigate lymphatic-system malformations and propose a classification of primary lymphoedema based on comprehensive imaging data of both lymph vessel- and lymph-node abnormalities. |
A total of 63 (17%) patients exhibited defects of the inguinal lymph nodes with mild or moderate dilatation of afferent lymph vessels. A total of 123 (32%) patients exhibited lymphatic anomalies as lymphatic aplasia, hypoplasia or hyperplasia with no obvious defect of the drainage lymph nodes. The involvement of both lymph vessel- and lymph-node abnormalities in the affected limb was found in 192 (51%) patients. The primary lymphoedema was classified as 3 major types as: (1) lymph nodes affected only; (2) lymph vessel affected only with 3 subtypes and (3) both lymph vessel and lymph node affected with subgroups. |
4 |
| 81. Notohamiprodjo M, Weiss M, Baumeister RG, et al. MR lymphangiography at 3.0 T: correlation with lymphoscintigraphy. Radiology. 2012;264(1):78-87. |
Observational-Dx |
30 patients |
To prospectively compare findings of MR lymphangiography with those of lymphoscintigraphy, evaluate the pattern and delay of lymphatic drainage, compare typical findings, and investigate discrepancies between the techniques. |
Weak lymphatic drainage at lymphoscintigraphy correlated with lymphangiectasia at MR lymphangiography (13/33 affected extremities). Lymph vessels were clearly visualized with MR lymphangiography (5/24 affected extremities), while they were not detectable with lymphoscintigraphy. Depiction of inguinal lymph nodes was clearer with lymphoscintigraphy (5/60 extremities). Correlation of both techniques was excellent for delay (kappa=0.93) and pattern (kappa=0.84) of drainage, good for depiction of lymph nodes (kappa=0.67) and number of enhancing levels (kappa=0.77), and moderate for depiction of lymph vessels (kappa=0.50). Sensitivity and specificity for delay and pattern of drainage were concordant, whereas MR lymphangiography showed a higher sensitivity for lymph vessel abnormalities (100% vs 79%) and lower specificity for lymph node abnormalities (78% vs 100%). |
2 |
| 82. American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiation Dose Assessment Introduction. Available at: https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Appropriateness-Criteria/RadiationDoseAssessmentIntro.pdf. |
Review/Other-Dx |
N/A |
To provide evidence-based guidelines on exposure of patients to ionizing radiation. |
No abstract available. |
4 |
