Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg, and it can become dangerous if part of the clot travels to the lungs.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is important if leg swelling is sudden or painful, or if there is chest pain, breathlessness, or collapse because a pulmonary embolism may be developing.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include swelling in one leg, calf pain, warmth, redness, or tenderness, though some people have only mild symptoms or none at all.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when a clot is suspected from one-sided leg swelling or pain, especially after surgery, long travel, immobility, cancer, or pregnancy-related risk.
What radiology does
Venous Doppler ultrasound is usually the first imaging test because it can show whether a deep vein is blocked by clot and how extensive it is.
What usually happens next
Treatment often includes blood thinners, activity advice, and follow-up, with more urgent intervention needed in selected severe cases.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) TreatmentA deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a solid blood clot deep inside the muscles, usually in the leg or arm. When blood thinners aren't enough, doctors use image guidance to physically clear the blocked vein.
- CTPA (CT Pulmonary Angiography)A CTPA (Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography) acts as a swift, targeted search for blockages in your lungs. It is a critical, life-saving test used to quickly map out the pulmonary arteries.
- Leg Venous Doppler (DVT Scan)A leg venous Doppler is the standard test for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. It is quick, painless, and uses sound waves to detect clots before they become dangerous.