The Utility of Screening for Asymptomatic Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis during Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flares

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in up to 11% of medical inpatients. The incidence of asymptomatic DVT among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown but may be even higher. D-dimer is effective for DVT screening, but its utility has not been studied in the IBD population. METHODS: Hospitalized and ambulatory patients with IBD during flares were recruited between 2009 and 2011. Those with clinical …