Question

A 78-year-old man with atrial fibrillation on warfarin presents with acute onset painful swollen left leg. The calf is tender and circumference is 3 cm larger than the right. D-dimer is elevated. According to Thrombosis Canada, which initial diagnostic test is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Duplex compression ultrasonography of the leg veins

Answer

Contrast venography

Answer

CT pulmonary angiography

Answer

MR venography

Answer

No imaging; adjust warfarin dose and observe

Practice question

A 78-year-old man with atrial fibrillation on warfarin presents with acute onset painful swollen left leg. The calf is tender and circumference is 3 cm larger than the right. D-dimer is elevated. According to Thrombosis Canada, which initial diagnostic test is most appropriate?