In summary, what is the role of bedside examination for the evaluation of DVT?
Still an important one. Although individual symptoms and signs are not, by themselves, very useful, a careful
review of risk factors, symptoms, and signs may nonetheless help determine the pretest probability of disease. And thus, it can guide interpretation of noninvasive diagnostic tests. This rekindled value of clinical examination has in recent time led to the hypothesis that when pretest probability of disease and noninvasive tests of lower extremity veins are concordant, DVT can be effectively ruled in or ruled out, whereas when pretest probability of disease and non-invasive tests are discordant, further evaluation is necessary. This approach has led to the creation of a clinical prediction guide for the management of patients with suspected DVT.
Still an important one. Although individual symptoms and signs are not, by themselves, very useful, a careful
review of risk factors, symptoms, and signs may nonetheless help determine the pretest probability of disease. And thus, it can guide interpretation of noninvasive diagnostic tests. This rekindled value of clinical examination has in recent time led to the hypothesis that when pretest probability of disease and noninvasive tests of lower extremity veins are concordant, DVT can be effectively ruled in or ruled out, whereas when pretest probability of disease and non-invasive tests are discordant, further evaluation is necessary. This approach has led to the creation of a clinical prediction guide for the management of patients with suspected DVT.