Ultrasound Doppler is a reliable method for examining the upper extremity (UE) venous system, particularly for diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in symptomatic patients with recognizable risk factors. It is a noninvasive technique with high sensivity and specificity in diagnosis of jugular, distal subclavian and axillary deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). The authors propose to attend these objectives: To understand the importance of a systematic and proper technique to accurately diagnose an UEDVT; To review ultrasound, ultrasound-color and ultrasound-spectral Doppler findings that radiologist should be familiarized...

CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES UEDVT is an increasingly important clinical entity with potential for considerable morbidity, whichincidence is increasing paralleling the increased use of central venous catheters.UEDVT has been reported in up to one fourth of patients with these catheters. Pulmonary embolism is present in up to one third of patients affected. For these reasons, it is imperative that radiologists recognize UEDVT risk factors(Table 1) understanding itclinical presentation. UEDVT is classified as primary or secondary on the basis of pathogenesis. Primary UEDVT Primary UEDVT is a rare...

ThisEducational Exhibit presents an approach to the UE ultrasound Doppler, often performed to exclude DVT in symptomatic patients who presented in Radiology Department of ourOncologic Institution.

Ultrasound Doppler is the standard method for assessing the UE venous system, particularly UEDVT. Symptomatic oncology patients, who present with a central venous catheter inserted for chemotherapy and/ordevelop a hypercoagulable state, are the most frequent candidates for this study. By knowing the UE venous anatomy, expected ultrasound, ultrasound-colour Doppler findings and spectral waveforms, potential pitfalls and limitations in technique, the radiologist can generate an accurate diagnosis.

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Elisa de Melo Abreu ([email protected]) Interna Complementar de Radiologia Serviço de Radiologia doInstituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Francisco Gentil, EPE Diretor do Serviço: Dr. José Venâncio