Deep Venous Thrombosis: Commonly Affected Veins in the Lower Limbs

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to record the commonly affected veins in the lower limbs, to compare the affected sides and gender and to correlate the Doppler findings and stages of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Materials and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study of 46 already diagnosed cases of lower limb DVT. Results: Out of 46 cases of DVT, 71.74% were females. The majority of patients (93.47%) were affected in unilateral lower limb with significant predominance (65.22%) to affect the left lower limb (p < 0.001). The common femoral vein (CFV) was affected in 71.7% of cases. The superficial femoral vein (SFV) was affected in 71.7% of cases. The popliteal vein was affected in 67.4%. The deep femoral vein was affected only in 17.4%. Both CFV and SFV were affected together in 47.8% of cases. Both SFV and popliteal vein were affected together in 50% of cases. The majority of DVT cases (71.1%) were in the acute stage. This study revealed an essential relationship between the acute stage of DVT and distension of the affected veins (p < 0.001) (OR 20.667, 95% CI 3.826 - 111.633). It also detected a significant relationship between the acute stage and absence of venous blood flow (p < 0.001) (OR 90.667, 95% CI 8.303 - 990.114). Conclusion: Lower limb deep venous thrombosis affects left lower limb more than right and females more than males. Superficial femoral vein (SFV) and common femoral vein (CFV) are the most common affected veins. Lower limb DVT predominantly present in acute stage with venous distension and absent blood flow.