In summary, ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of a DVT. The three-point compression-technique ultrasound for lower extremity DVT can be performed by the emergency physician as a noninvasive tool to detect the presence of a noncompressible vein indicating a lumen-obstructing clot. Using ultrasound in the evaluation for DVT can decrease time to definitive care and length of stay in the emergency department.

Contributors

Dr. Del Rios is research director of the ultrasound division, department of emergency medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City. Dr. Lewiss is director of the ultrasound division, department of emergency medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center. Dr. Saul is associate fellowship director of the ultrasound division, department of emergency medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center. Medical Editor Dr. Robert C. Solomon is an attending emergency physician at Trinity Health System in Steubenville, Ohio, and clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Disclosures

In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards and American College of Emergency Physicians policy, contributors and editors must disclose to the program audience the existence of significant financial interests in or relationships with manufacturers of commercial products that might have a direct interest in the subject matter.

Dr. Del Rios, Dr. Lewiss, Dr. Saul, and Dr. Solomon have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies that pertain to this educational activity.

“Focus On: Emergency Ultrasound for Deep Vein Thrombosis” has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). ACEP is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. ACEP designates this educational activity for a maximum of one Category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he or she actually spent in the educational activity. “Focus On: Emergency Ultrasound for Deep Vein Thrombosis” is approved by ACEP for one ACEP Category 1 credit.

Disclaimer

ACEP makes every effort to ensure that contributors to College-sponsored programs are knowledgeable authorities in their fields. Participants are nevertheless advised that the statements and opinions expressed in this article are provided as guidelines and should not be construed as College policy. The material contained herein is not intended to establish policy, procedure, or a standard of care. The views expressed in this article are those of the contributors and not necessarily the opinion or recommendation of ACEP.