Table 1.

Wells score for DVT clinical pretest probability

Number of pointsProportion of patientsPrevalence of PE
Variables    
Active cancer (treatment ongoing or within previous 6 mo or palliative)   
Paralysis, paresis, or recent plaster immobilization of the lower extremities   
Recently bedridden >3 d or major surgery within 4 wks   
Localized tenderness along the distribution of the deep venous system   
Entire leg swollen   
Calf swelling 3 cm greater than on asymptomatic side (measured 10 cm below tibial tuberosity)   
Pitting edema confined to the symptomatic leg   
Dilated superficial veins (nonvaricose)   
Previous documented DVT (or PE)   
Alternative diagnosis as likely or greater than that of DVT −2   
Score interpretation    
High probability* ≥3 10% 60% 
Moderate probability* 1 or 2 30% 25% 
Low probability ≤0 60% 5% 
Number of pointsProportion of patientsPrevalence of PE
Variables    
Active cancer (treatment ongoing or within previous 6 mo or palliative)   
Paralysis, paresis, or recent plaster immobilization of the lower extremities   
Recently bedridden >3 d or major surgery within 4 wks   
Localized tenderness along the distribution of the deep venous system   
Entire leg swollen   
Calf swelling 3 cm greater than on asymptomatic side (measured 10 cm below tibial tuberosity)   
Pitting edema confined to the symptomatic leg   
Dilated superficial veins (nonvaricose)   
Previous documented DVT (or PE)   
Alternative diagnosis as likely or greater than that of DVT −2   
Score interpretation    
High probability* ≥3 10% 60% 
Moderate probability* 1 or 2 30% 25% 
Low probability ≤0 60% 5% 
*

A score of ≥2 has been termed “DVT likely.” This group makes up ∼40% of patients and has a prevalence of DVT of ∼33%.

A score of ≤1 has been termed “DVT unlikely.” This group makes up ∼75% of patients and has a prevalence of DVT of ∼10%. The original Wells DVT model was for a first suspected DVT and, therefore, did not include a score for previous VTE.

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