Required frequency of ultrasonography for detection of thrombosis with high risk for embolism in patients with malignancies

Abstract

Aim. To determine the optimal terms for detection of thrombosis with high risk for embolism in patients with malignancies receiving specialized treatment. Methods. 117 patients (50 males, 67 females - the main group) with malignancies were randomly picked out (using the random numbers tables) underwent daily ultrasonography of inferior vena cava tributaries for detection of thrombosis with high risk for embolism. Ultrasonography of inferior vena cava distal part, both common iliac veins and veins of lower extremities was done in patients while on surgical treatment, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The control group consisted of 130 patients (58 males, 72 females) with malignancies in whom ultrasonography was performed only if clinical signs of venous thrombosis were present. Results. Ultrasonic features of venous blood flow decrease (spontaneous contrast phenomenon) in veins of lower extremities were found in 27 out of 117 main group patients on the second day. On the third day features of saphenous veins thrombosis were found in 13 patients. On the fourth day, 4 patients were diagnosed with iliofemoral thrombosis. 5 more patients developed ultrasonic features of venous blood flow decrease (spontaneous contrast phenomenon) on the fourth and fifth day. Signs of thrombosis progression and floating thrombus were found in 6 patients on the 6th and 7th day. No fatal cases of pulmonary embolism were registered in the main group. 10 patients of the control group had clinical signs of inferior vena cava tributaries and underwent distal part of inferior vena cava, both common iliac veins and veins of lower extremities ultrasonography while on specialized treatment. 5 cases of pulmonary embolism were reported in the rest of the control group patients (120 patients). Conclusion. Inferior vena cava tributaries thrombosis with high risk for embolism in patients with malignancies can be reliably detected by repeating ultrasonography every 3-4 days; Reliable diagnosis of thrombosis with high risk for embolism by means of ultrasonography during the post-surgical period allows to prevent pulmonary embolism in a timely and targeted manner.