Spectrum of Findings on Compressive Duplex Ultrasonography of the Lower Limbs in a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana: A Prospective Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective and Aims Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially fatal disease that can be diagnosed with compression duplex ultrasound (CDUS). This study investigated the prevalence, anatomical distribution, and ultrasound characteristics of lower extremity DVT in suspected patients at a Ghanaian tertiary hospital. Methods In a prospective cross‐sectional study, CDUS was performed in the leg veins of 138 patients suspected of DVT. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio‐demographics and possible risk factors. Results DVT was confirmed in 49 (35.5%) of 138 patients, with most thrombi (65.3%) located in the common femoral vein. Acute DVT was found in 19 (38.8%) patients and was more common among females than males (50% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.03), while chronic DVT was seen in 25 (51%) patients. In DVT patients, vessel abnormalities such as non‐compressibility were found in 41 (83.7%) patients, incomplete colour fill‐in in 43 (97.7%), loss of respiratory phasicity in 42 (95.5%) and absent augmentation in 42 (95.5%) patients. Previous history of DVT [OR (95% CI); 5.65 (3.53–16.8), p < 0.001] and varicose veins [3.89 (1.33–11.4), p = 0.028] were major risk factors associated with DVT diagnosis. Conclusion The prevalence of DVT in our study population was 35.5% with no gender predilection. DVT was mostly chronic, and thrombus was mostly found within the common femoral vein. Varicose veins and a history of previous DVT increased the likelihood of DVT diagnosis. Comprehensive ultrasound screening, centred on proximal veins, especially in patients with varicose veins or a previous DVT, may be required for the diagnosis of DVT.