Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to the formation of blood clots in the venous system, which can occur in the deep veins (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE). Risk factors include prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulable states, vessel injury, and malignancy. Ultrasound imaging, particularly B-mode and Doppler, is the first-line imaging modality for detecting DVT. Signs of DVT on ultrasound include lack of normal venous compression with probe pressure, echogenic thrombus within the vessel, absence of normal Doppler flow signals, and failure of the vein to collapse. Early detection and treatment of VTE is critical to prevent complications such as post-thrombotic syndrome and recurrent thromboembolism.
Sonography Term