Imaging modalities for detecting deep venous thrombosis after bariatric surgery

Purpose of Review Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the bariatric patient. We review the current non-invasive modalities—Doppler ultrasound (DUS), computed tomo-graphic venography (CTV) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV)—for the detection of DVT in the post-bariatric surgical patient. Recent Findings CTV and MRV are highly sensitive non-invasive imaging modalities with improved capability over DUS of detecting proximal, especially pelvic, DVT. MRV has recently been shown to be capable of detecting asymptomatic pelvic DVT in post-bariatric surgical patients. The clinical significance of these findings remains uncertain. Summary Invasive contrast venography, while remaining the gold standard, has been supplanted by DUS in routine clinical use. However, DUS has technical limitations in the morbidly obese patient. CTV and MRV remain highly accurate in this population and warrant further investiga-tion for routine clinical use.