A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the term given to a medical condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein. DVTs most commonly form in the legs but may also present, although infrequently, in other areas of the body such as the arms or abdomen.1 According to Virchow’s triad, the predisposing factors to thrombosis are prolonged stasis, hypercoagulable states and endothelial injury.2 DVTs are vitally important to diagnose as clots can disintegrate and travel, or embolise, to the lungs where they may ultimately prove fatal.
Clots located above the popliteal vein are classified as proximal DVTs, while clots which form below the popliteal vein are classified as distal DVTs.3 To locate a suspected acute DVT, ultrasound scans (USS) are performed. There are two main types of USS: proximal USS, which examines the upper region of the …
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