Diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound for proximal lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis in emergency settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

What was studied

This study asked how well ultrasound finds deep vein clots in the leg. The clots were in the part of the leg called proximal. Emergency staff did the scans themselves. The people were adults thought to have such a clot. This was a review that pooled the results of past studies. The team searched large study lists up to April 2026. They also looked at scan methods and groups of staff.

What they found

In total, 16 studies gave data on 2,781 patient or leg units. The pooled score for finding true clots was 0.91. The score for correctly saying there was no clot was 0.95. Scans that checked fewer points scored 0.87 for finding clots. Scans that checked more points scored 0.92. Some source data were unclear. The team tested these on their own to see their effect.

What it means for patients

The authors say these scans may help check for leg clots. They see this as part of a set plan of tests. A normal result from a limited scan needs care. Doctors need to weigh it against how likely a clot seemed. They also need to judge if the scan was done well enough. No scan method or staff group was shown to be better.

Why it is not certain yet

The studies in the review differed from each other. Some source data were not settled. The authors say this lowers trust in the pooled scores. The checks of scan methods and staff groups were only a first look. A review can only be as good as the studies in it.

Source

Diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound for proximal lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis in emergency settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

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