PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the test of choice for diagnosing DVT?

1. CT scan

2. Doppler ultrasound

3. Venography

4. X-ray

The correct answer is: Doppler ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is the test of choice for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to its high sensitivity and specificity for detecting thrombi in the deep veins. This non-invasive imaging technique uses sound waves to visualize blood flow in the veins and can indicate the presence of a clot by assessing the patency of the venous system. It can easily be performed in an outpatient setting, is widely available, and avoids the risks associated with more invasive procedures. Other modalities, such as CT scans and venography, are less commonly used for initial DVT assessment. While CT scans can provide valuable information, they are more often utilized for other conditions, like pulmonary embolism. Venography, although considered a definitive test, is invasive and involves injecting contrast dye into the venous system, which can be risky and is typically reserved for cases where ultrasound results are inconclusive. X-rays do not provide information about soft tissues and are ineffective for diagnosing DVT, as they primarily visualize bone structures. Thus, Doppler ultrasound remains the preferred first-line diagnostic tool.