[Venous Doppler ultrasonography in early diagnosis of lower limb thrombophlebitis in stroke].

Patients with brain strokes are particularly prone to development of venous thrombosis in the paretic extremities, and the diagnosis of this thrombosis is very difficult. This raises the risk of pulmonary embolism. The authors studied venous circulation in 50 patients with brain strokes using the method of ultrasonography based on Doppler's phenomenon. Signs of venous thrombosis were demonstrated in 11 cases. Venous thrombosis was diagnosed when the following signs were simultaneously present: slowing down of venous flow of considerable degree (by above 50%), abolition of cyclic fluctuations in flow velocity depending in respiration, and absence of blood flow acceleration after pressure exerted on muscles. Thrombosis can be diagnosed, frequently, before the appearance of local signs or in case of doubtful clinical manifestations. Doppler ultrasonography is a simple diagnostic method which can be repeated without restrictions and makes possible conduction of motor rehabilitation of patients under steady control of venous circulation. Owing to this venous thrombosis can be diagnoses early and treated accordingly reducing the risk of pulmonary embolism.