What is the role of physical exam for diagnosing DVT?
It is part of a comprehensive approach, including review of risk factors and symptoms.
Commonly reported symptoms in suspected DVT include leg pain and swelling.
Risk factors include instead immobility, paralysis, recent surgery, and/or trauma, malignancy, cancer
chemotherapy, advancing age (i.e., >60 years), family history of thromboembolism, pregnancy, and
estrogen use. In 50% of DVT patients, a major risk factor is present. Some of these are major, whereas
others are minor. These can then be used to calculate the likelihood of disease
It is part of a comprehensive approach, including review of risk factors and symptoms.
Commonly reported symptoms in suspected DVT include leg pain and swelling.
Risk factors include instead immobility, paralysis, recent surgery, and/or trauma, malignancy, cancer
chemotherapy, advancing age (i.e., >60 years), family history of thromboembolism, pregnancy, and
estrogen use. In 50% of DVT patients, a major risk factor is present. Some of these are major, whereas
others are minor. These can then be used to calculate the likelihood of disease