A systematic review evaluating imaging techniques to determine chronicity of deep vein thrombosis
Author(s)
Patel, Kirtan D
Ahmad, Manal
Tan, Matthew
Onida, Sarah
Davies, Alun
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Objective
The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the different imaging techniques used to assess thrombus chronicity in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
Methods
A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Web of Science databases was performed to identify meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials or observational studies investigating imaging techniques for assessing DVT chronicity.
Results
Overall, 56 studies were reviewed. Various imaging modalities have been explored to assess DVT chronicity. Ultrasound parameters such as echogenicity and vein diameter proved unreliable, though elastography showed promise by quantifying thrombus stiffness. Computed Tomography (CT) studies were limited. In contrast, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated potential for differentiating thrombus age, and nuclear imaging with targeted radiotracers, along with techniques like photoacoustic imaging and Optical coherence tomography (OCT), offered high diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion
This review evaluated various imaging techniques for thrombus aging. No single modality is ideal, but MRI shows the greatest potential for advancement. In select populations, it may enhance cost-effectiveness and improve outcomes for catheter-based DVT interventions.
The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the different imaging techniques used to assess thrombus chronicity in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
Methods
A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Web of Science databases was performed to identify meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials or observational studies investigating imaging techniques for assessing DVT chronicity.
Results
Overall, 56 studies were reviewed. Various imaging modalities have been explored to assess DVT chronicity. Ultrasound parameters such as echogenicity and vein diameter proved unreliable, though elastography showed promise by quantifying thrombus stiffness. Computed Tomography (CT) studies were limited. In contrast, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated potential for differentiating thrombus age, and nuclear imaging with targeted radiotracers, along with techniques like photoacoustic imaging and Optical coherence tomography (OCT), offered high diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion
This review evaluated various imaging techniques for thrombus aging. No single modality is ideal, but MRI shows the greatest potential for advancement. In select populations, it may enhance cost-effectiveness and improve outcomes for catheter-based DVT interventions.
Date Issued
2026-04-01
Date Acceptance
2025-06-28
Citation
Phlebology, 2026, 41 (3), pp.179-189
ISSN
0268-3555
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Start Page
179
End Page
189
Journal / Book Title
Phlebology
Volume
41
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2025 This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40670297
Subjects
AGE-DETERMINATION
Cardiovascular System & Cardiology
CT
Deep vein thrombosis
DIAGNOSIS
duplex ultrasound
ECONOMIC BURDEN
IN-VIVO
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
LOWER-EXTREMITY
MODEL
MRI
Peripheral Vascular Disease
QUALITY-OF-LIFE
Science & Technology
SHEAR-WAVE ELASTOGRAPHY
Surgery
ULTRASOUND
VENOUS THROMBOSIS
VTE management
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Article Number
02683555251358915
Date Publish Online
2025-07-16