Role of real-time elastography in assessing the stage of thrombus

BACKGROUND: Due to major complication that acute thrombosis can occur, we aim to observe the value of real-time tissue elastography (RTE) in assessing the stage of thrombi. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 132 patients with deep venous thrombosis confirmed by clinical symptoms and conventional ultrasound examination. RTE imaging of thrombosis were estimated according Itoh's 5-point scale and we also calculated the strain ratio (reference/clot ratio). RESULTS: Differences in thrombus displacement have been presented as different color maps. In the group of acute thrombosis, 70.9% (39/55) showed red color. In the group of subacute thrombosis, 62.8% (27/43) showed green color. In the group of chronic thrombosis, 67.6% (23/34) showed blue color. The strain ratio of the chronic thrombosis group and the subacute thrombosis group were higher than that of the acute thrombosis group (P<0.001, P<0.05). The strain ratio of the chronic thrombosis group was higher than that of the acute and subacute thrombosis group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: RTE has good diagnostic value for assessing the stage of thrombi.