How are DVT and pulmonary embolism diagnosed?
• Duplex ultrasound—It uses sound waves to evaluate the flow of blood in the veins. • Venography—If the duplex ultrasound does not provide a clear diagnosis, a venogram, a type of X ray, is used to look at the veins. DVT also can be diagnosed using the following, less frequently used, tests: • In many cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide information that would not show up on an X ray. This test is being used more frequently to diagnose DVT. • A computed tomography scan is a special type of X ray that can provide pictures of structures inside the body. However, this test is rarely used to diagnose DVT. Tests to find the location of and damage to the lungs caused by a pulmonary embolism (PE) include: • Computerized tomography (CT scan) of the lung, a special type of X ray that can provide pictures of structures inside the body. • Pulmonary ventilation or perfusion scan, a special test looks at how the lung is working and if it is getting enough blood. • Pulmonary angiogram
