Evaluation of Lower Extremity Venous Doppler Ultrasonography Outcomes Before And After The COVID-19 Pandemic; A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objectives: COVID-19 PCR positivity has been reported among asymptomatic individuals and asymptomatic people are also considered to be at risk for thromboembolic events. The aim of this study was to compare the results of patients who underwent lower extremity Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) with a preliminary diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) before and after the pandemic, regardless of COVID-19 PCR testing. Methods: Patients who underwent RDUS in the Department of Radiology during a total period of 35 months (01/08/2018 - 01/07/2021) were analyzed. A total of 599 patients underwent RDUS during the study period. Results: More pozitif DVT findings were observed after the pandemic (n=43, 18.3%, p=0.005) (only two of these patients had a positive COVID-19 PCR result). History of hospitalization in the last three months, D-dimer, PLT, MPV, WBC, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, NLR values, comorbidity and antiaggregant use were not different (p>0.05). Conclusion: Even individuals (especially elderly individuals) who have been exposed to the virus during the pandemic but who do not show symptoms are at risk of DVT.