https://doi.org/10.4081/reumatismo.2025.1828

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in patients referred for suspected deep vein thrombosis: insights from a rheumatologist-led clinic

Early Access
Published: March 10 2025
Deep vein thrombosis, ultrasound, musculoskeletal disorders
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Authors

Nikoletta Svendsen
nikoletta.svendsen@rsyd.dk
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1661-6896
Department of Rheumatology, Esbjerg Hospital – University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark.
Philip Rask Lage-Hansen
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1449-254X
Department of Rheumatology, Esbjerg Hospital – University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark.
Stavros Chrysidis
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8583-6517
Department of Rheumatology, Esbjerg Hospital – University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark.

Objective. To assess the frequency of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and alternative diagnoses in patients with suspected DVT when evaluated by a rheumatologist. Secondly, to describe the distribution of different diagnoses across three Wells score categories (low, moderate, and high).

Methods. This is an observational study of patients evaluated at a DVT Clinic for suspected DVT, with a rheumatologist-supervised evaluation, performing ultrasound scans on the affected limbs and assessing their results. The obtained diagnoses were noted along with the initial Wells scores performed by the rheumatologist.

Results. 649 patients were included. DVT was confirmed in 119/649 (18.3%) cases, with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, particularly arthritis and knee-related conditions, being the most common alternative diagnoses (166/649, 25.6%). 288/649 (44.4%) patients did not receive a definitive diagnosis. Higher Wells scores were more common in confirmed DVT cases, while patients with MSK disorders generally had lower Wells scores, likely due to clinical assessments that identified alternative diagnoses early.

Conclusions. MSK disorders frequently present with symptoms mimicking DVT, underscoring the value of rheumatologist-led evaluations in suspected DVT cases. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic approaches for patients with DVT-like symptoms, particularly regarding the role of MSK expertise in both physical and ultrasound assessments.

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Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in patients referred for suspected deep vein thrombosis: insights from a rheumatologist-led clinic. (2025). Reumatismo. https://doi.org/10.4081/reumatismo.2025.1828
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