Previous History Of Deep Venous Thrombosis Research Articles

Incidence and characteristic of deep venous thrombosis in hospitalized chronic heart failure patients.

This study was conducted to investigate the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), outcomes and its characteristics in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in a retrospective setting. Patients died of cardiac shock or acute exacerbation of heart failure (HF), admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) due to acute exacerbation of HF, patients decided to withdraw treatment and return home due to acute exacerbation of HF. From January 2015 to June 2022, we admitted 359 patients diagnosed with CHF, and lower limb ultrasonography was performed for the examination of DVT after admission. The incidence of DVT was recorded and patients with known risk factors of VTE were identifiedand excluded after incidence of DVT was calculated. Patients' clinical data were thencollected. The occurrence of DVT was 10.0% (36/359), as calf intramuscular vein thrombosis was the main constitution (n = 28, 75%). DVT patients with other factors (carcinoma, surgery, stroke, previous history of DVT) constituted a considerable part (33.3%, 12/36). Age, history of Diabetes Mellitus (DM), levels of DDi (D-Dimer), levels of alanine transferase (ALT) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) were independent predictors or risk factors of DVT in CHF patients, while chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1-4, white blood cell (WBC) and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) were protective factors. Incidence of DVT was correlated with a poor outcome of CHF patients (Pearson Chi-Square test, Value 19.612, P < 0.001). In this retrospective study, incidence of DVT was found to be relatively high among hospitalized CHF patients, while patients with DVT was associated with a poor prognosis.

Prevalence and predictors of alternative diagnoses on whole-leg ultrasound negative for acute deep venous thrombosis

BackgroundTo investigate the prevalence, spectrum, and predictors of alternative diagnoses explaining leg symptoms in patients negative for suspected acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT), which can be detected with whole-leg ultrasound.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 789 patients (median age 70 years, 50.6% women) evaluated with a whole-leg ultrasound examination for suspected acute DVT within one year. All findings in the radiology report were analyzed and electronic chart review was performed to collect clinical information.ResultsUltrasound was negative for acute DVT in 531 patients (67.3%). Among these, alternative diagnoses explaining leg symptoms were seen in 349 patients (65.7%). The most frequent alternative diagnoses were chronic venous insufficiency (147 patients, 27.7%), followed by lymphedema (48 patients, 9.0%) and chronic post-thrombotic changes (41 patients, 7.7%). Patients with alternative diagnoses were older (median 71 vs. 66 years, p = 0.0226), as well as more likely to present with leg swelling (39.5% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.0002), difference in leg circumference (25.5% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.0055) and redness (7.7% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.0213) than patients without alternative diagnosis. Independent predictors of finding alternative diagnoses on whole-leg ultrasound were older age (odds ratio 1.014 per year, p = 0.0119), leg swelling (OR 1.949, p = 0.0020) and history of previous DVT (OR 2.235, p = 0.0154).ConclusionsAlternative diagnoses explaining leg symptoms can be detected on whole-leg ultrasound in two thirds of patients with no evidence of acute DVT. Our data supports performing a comprehensive ultrasound evaluation beyond the venous system, particularly, in older patients, who present with leg swelling and a past history of DVT.

Venous Ulcers as a Rare Presentation of Bilateral May-Thurner Syndrome in Male Patients. Case Series

Introduction: Objectives May-Thurner syndrome (or iliac vein compression syndrome, IVCS), is referred to iliac vein compression by the iliac artery against the spine. It is commonly found as an underlying cause of iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The syndrome is mostly seen in women (in the second through the fourth decades of age) and on the left side. In this article, we describe a rare presentation of IVCS in male patients with bilateral May-Thurner syndrome. Methods - Five male patients (mean age was 45.5, SD 14.0 year), presented with bilateral leg edema and recurrent active venous ulcers for more than one years that failed consistent compression therapy. All patient have no current or previous history of DVT. IVCS was diagnosed using Duplex ultrasound and direct multi-slice computed tomography-venogram (CTV). Endovascular treatment was performed in the form of bilateral common iliac vein stenting (WALLSTENT, Boston Scientific), Radiofrequency ablation of great saphenous vein (GSV) was done for one patients with GSV reflux. Vascular Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), Visual Analog Score (VAS), and Venous Disability Score (VDS) were assessed preoperatively, at one month and 6 months after the intervention. Results - The intervention was technically successful with no perioperative complications in all patients. At 1-month follow-up, the venous ulcers were completely healed on both sides in all patients (9 limb), one limb in one patient need additional ablation of the refluxing GSV. VCSS, VDS, VAS have improved to 6/27, 2/4, 3/10 compared to preoperative values of 14/27, 3/4, and 7/10, respectively. All patients were free of pain with no residual edema in both legs. At 6 months follow-up: VCSS, VDS and VAS have improved to 4/27, 0/4, and 1/10, respectively, compared to the preoperative values baseline values. Conclusion - May-Thurner syndrome is a relatively common anatomical variant where iliac vein compression is typically presented with venous insufficiency symptoms on the left lower extremity in middle aged women. This report is to describe a rare presentation of symptomatic bilateral May-Thurner syndrome in a male patient. All patients were successfully treated with stenting of both common iliac veins, which improved the patients' symptoms including complete healing of the venous ulcers in both legs. In conclusion, the conventional endovascular treatment of May-Thurner syndrome can also be an effective treatment option of male patients with atypical presentation of IVCS.

Prevalence, risk factors, and evaluation of iliocaval obstruction in advanced chronic venous insufficiency

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical predictors of >50% iliocaval venous obstruction (ICVO) in Thai patients with lipodermatosclerosis and healed or active venous ulcers and the diagnostic accuracy of duplex ultrasound (DUS) compared with computed tomography venography (CTV). MethodsLimbs with lipodermatosclerosis, healed venous leg ulceration, or active venous leg ulceration were prospectively evaluated by DUS and CTV. Loss of respiratory variation in the common femoral vein (CFV) and reversed flow in the superficial epigastric vein (SEV) were evaluated by DUS. Percentage of venous obstruction was measured by CTV. The prevalence and clinical predictors of >50% ICVO were determined, and the accuracy of DUS for diagnosis of >50% ICVO was compared with the diagnostic accuracy of CTV. ResultsA total of 106 patients (135 limbs) were enrolled. The mean age was 58 ± 12 years, and 57 (54%) patients were female. Previous history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the symptomatic leg was documented in 21 (15.6%) limbs; >50% ICVO by CTV was found in 38 (28.1%) limbs. Independent predictors of >50% ICVO included left leg (P = .001) and previous history of DVT in the affected leg (P = .001). For diagnosis of >50% ICVO, the sensitivity and specificity of loss of respiratory variation in the CFV were 23.7% and 100%, respectively; the sensitivity and specificity of reversed flow in the SEV were 7.9% and 100%, respectively. ConclusionsLimbs with lipodermatosclerosis or with healed or active venous ulceration, especially in the left limb or in limbs with a history of DVT in the affected limb, had a high prevalence of ICVO; these limbs should be routinely studied with DUS. Limbs with an abnormal finding on DUS, including loss of respiratory variation in the CFV or reversed flow in the SEV, should be routed for venous intervention, and those with normal DUS findings should be referred for CTV.

Incidence and risk factor of deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumors: A Japanese single-center, retrospective study

IntroductionIt has been reported that brain tumor resection by craniotomy is a high risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), though few data is available in Japanese patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for DVT in Japanese adult patients with brain tumor surgery. Materials and methodsMedical records of Japanese adult patients with craniotomy for brain tumor were reviewed. In addition to clinical variables including patients' age, sex, body mass index, previous history of DVT, leg paresis, medications, tumor histology, surgical factors, adjuvant therapy, infection, and duration of post-operative immobilization and hospitalization, plasma D-dimer levels were measured at pre-surgery (baseline), on post-operative day (POD) one to 30 and during adjuvant therapy, and were compared between patients with and without DVT. ResultsThirteen of 61 patients (21.3%) had DVT after surgery with mechanical prophylaxis. All DVTs were asymptomatic. Multivariate analyses found post-operative infection (odds ratio, 12.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–134.98; P = 0.03) to be a sole independent risk factor for DVT. D-dimer levels were not significantly different between patients with and without DVT at baseline and POD 1–30, but were significantly elevated during adjuvant therapy in patients with DVT (P = 0.03). ConclusionsNot a few Japanese patients developed DVT after brain tumor surgery with mechanical prophylaxis, and patients with infection should be carefully monitored for post-operative DVT.

Appropriate Use of Venous Imaging and Analysis of the D-Dimer/Clinical Probability Testing Paradigm in the Diagnosis and Location of Deep Venous Thrombosis

The D-dimer (DD) level combined with the pretest Wells criteria probability (WCP) score can safely exclude deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between DD results alongside WCP score with findings on venous duplex ultrasound (VDU). The hypothesis is that VDU remains overutilized in low-risk patients with negative DD and that higher DD levels may correlate with thrombus burden and location. Patients who presented to a high-volume tertiary care center with lower limb swelling with or without associated pain were retrospectively examined through June and July for 4 consecutive years (2012 to 2015). After calculating WCP, patients were divided into low-, moderate-, and high-risk categories. Electronic DD results utilizing enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, WCP data, and VDU analysis data were merged and analyzed based on receiver operator characteristic curve to determine the DD cutoff point for each WCP. Abnormal DD with an average value≥0.6mg/L fibrinogen equivalent units (FEUs) was correlated to positive DVT to differentiate proximal DVT (above popliteal vein) from distal DVT (below popliteal vein). Data of 1,909 patients were analyzed, and 239 (12.5%) patients were excluded secondary to serial repeat visits or follow-ups, surveillance screens, and if they had a previous history of DVT. The average age was 62.1±16.3years with more women (55.7%) and the majority presented with limb pain and edema (87%). DD studies were ordered and completed in 202 patients and correlated with all positive and negative DVT patients (100% sensitivity and negative predictive value, with specificity and positive predictive value of 14.9% and 15.9%, respectively). Twenty-six of 202 patients had DD that were in the normal range 0.1-0.59mg/L (FEU), all of which were negative for DVT (100% sensitive). Fifty one of 202 patients had DD values of 0.6-1.2mg/L FEU, of which only 3 DVTs were recorded, and all of them were distal DVTs. In addition, 685 patients with WCP <1 and negative DD were sent for VDU. Thus, 762 patients had an unnecessary immediate VDU (Wells ≤1 and -DD) study during their initial presentation. Potential charge savings for VDU for all patients are 762×$1,557=$1,186,434 and DD for all patients are 762×$182=$138,684, with total potential savings of $1,047,750 (USD 2016). This study suggests that DD is still underutilized, and DD in conjunction with WCP could significantly reduce the number of unnecessary immediate VDUs. Higher value of DD (>1.2mg/L FEU) may raise concern for proximal DVT. Concern on cost-effectiveness exists and raises the demand for a proposed algorithm to be followed.

Deep venous thrombosis among diabetic patients in King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundDeep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients worldwide and, simultaneously, the most preventable. Studies revealed several risk factors of deep venous thrombosis in hospitalized patients.Objectiveto identify frequency and factors associated with occurrence of deep venous thrombosis among diabetic patients referred to King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted from June to December, 2016. All diabetic patients referred to the hospital departments and who were suspected to have deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and subjected to Doppler examination were included in the study. A questionnaire was designed to obtain data about deep venous thrombosis frequency among participants and factors associated with the development of deep venous thrombosis among them. Data was collected through face to face interviews with patients included in the study. We used SPSS version 16 for data analysis through descriptive statistics and Chi-square test.ResultsDVT was detected in 14.7 % of the examined patients. There were significant and positive associations between age and DVT (X2=10.13, p=0.03) and between ischemic heart disease and DVT (X2=1.628, p=0.043) with the development of deep venous thrombosis among the studied patients. On the other hand, gender, other comorbidities, history of previous DVT, being bed ridden and using orthopedic casting were not significantly associated with the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis among the participants.ConclusionDVT development rate among the participants was 14.7 %. Aging was significantly associated with DVT occurrence. Most of the studied factors and comorbidities had no significant role in DVT development among participants and only ischemic heart disease was significantly associated with DVT development.

Incidence and risk factors for preoperative deep venous thrombosis in 314 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastasis.

OBJECTIVE The authors of this study aimed to identify the incidence of and risk factors for preoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing surgical treatment for spinal metastases. METHODS Univariate analysis of patient age, sex, ethnicity, laboratory values, comorbidities, preoperative ambulatory status, histopathological classification, spinal level, and surgical details was performed. Factors significantly associated with DVT univariately were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS The authors identified 314 patients, of whom 232 (73.9%) were screened preoperatively for a DVT. Of those screened, 22 (9.48%) were diagnosed with a DVT. The screened patients were older (median 62 vs 55 years, p = 0.0008), but otherwise similar in baseline characteristics. Nonambulatory status, previous history of DVT, lower partial thromboplastin time, and lower hemoglobin level were statistically significant and independent factors associated with positive results of screening for a DVT. Results of screening were positive in only 6.4% of ambulatory patients in contrast to 24.4% of nonambulatory patients, yielding an odds ratio of 4.73 (95% CI 1.88-11.90). All of the patients who had positive screening results underwent preoperative placement of an inferior vena cava filter. CONCLUSIONS Patients requiring surgery for spinal metastases represent a population with unique risks for venous thromboembolism. This study showed a 9.48% incidence of DVT in patients screened preoperatively. The highest rates of preoperative DVT were identified in nonambulatory patients, who were found to have a 4-fold increase in the likelihood of harboring a DVT. Understanding the preoperative thrombotic status may provide an opportunity for early intervention and risk stratification in this critically ill population.

Severe Post Thrombotic Syndrome Is Associated to Lower Echogenicity of the Residual Venous Thrombosis

Introduction: The post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs and may occur even after an appropriate anticoagulant treatment. PTS may develop in the first two years after DVT in about 20-50% of patients; 5–10% of those may present severe manifestations of the disease. PTS is associated to an increased risk for DVT recurrence, morbidity, poor quality of life and significant cost to public health. The diagnosis of PTS is performed by clinical evaluation; particularly, the Villalta scale is recommended by the ISTH for PTS diagnosis and severity evaluation. The PTS-associated medical conditions are poorly understood, and it seems that hypercoagulability and inflammation, after the first episode of DVT, may play an important role in the disease development. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of clinical parameters, inflammation and ultrasound (US) examination of the affected limb in patients with history of previous DVT and PTS.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate possible medical conditions associated to PTS and its severity.Material and Methods: Between February 2013 and October 2013, consecutive patients with history of previous unprovoked DVT of lower limbs (> 6 months from the diagnosis), attended at the Hematology Center of the University of Campinas, Brasil, were included. Patients were submitted to physical evaluation for body mass index (BMI) determination and PTS diagnosis, by Villalta scale. Levels of the IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α were performed by ELISA, D-dimer by turbidimetry and CRP by nephelometry. US examination was performed by duplex. In patients with residual venous thrombosis (RVT), the thrombus echogenicity was determined by grayscale median (GSM) evaluation, as described for atherosclerotic plaques. The GSM analysis was performed by a computer based US using specific software. Only the region containing the thrombus was analyzed, the image was depicted manually point by point to trace the line surrounding the thrombus, the final GSM values were automatic calculated and translated the thrombus echogenicity. A low GSM value (<25) suggests acute thrombosis and a high GSM vlaue (> 25) suggest subacute thrombosis.. Continuous variables were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and categorical variables were compared using the Fisher´ s exact test.Results: From the 56 patients included, 15 did not present PTS, 23 were classified as mild, 11 as moderate and 7 as severe PTS. Serum levels of CRP was significantly higher in patients with severe PTS when compared to patients with mild+moderate PTS and to those without PTS (respectivelly 0.64mg/dL, 0.31mg/dL and 0.13mg/dL; P=0.02).Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were higher in patients with severe PTS compared to patients with mild/moderate PTS and without PTS (IL-6= 2.81pg/mL vs. 1.48pg/mL vs. 0.80pg/mL respectively, and TNF 1.68pg/mL vs. 1.33pg/mL vs 1.17pg/mL respectively), however the differences did not reach statistical significance. Levels of IL-8 and DD were similar between severe PTS and the other two groups. The presence of RVT was similar between groups, however US-generated GSM was significantly lower in patients with severe PTS compared to patients with mild+moderate PTS and patients without PTS (GSM= 22, 31 and 28.5, respectively; P=0.04). As predicted, the BMI was also higher in patients with severe PTS when compared to mild+moderate PTS and no PTS group (BMI= 34,8 vs. 29,3 vs. 25,9, respectively P=0.007).Conclusion: Our results suggest that severe PTS may be associated with a chronic inflammatory response, characterized by obesity and higher levels of CRP. Besides, we could also observe that severe PTS may be associated with the persistence of a hypoechoic residual thrombus, determined by lower US-generated GSM values. The finding about the persistence of a hypoechoic thrombus in patients with severe PTS, even long time after the acute thrombosis event, is new and may possibly suggest that an adequate thrombus organization process is required to avoid the development of PTS. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Lower Echogenicity of the Residual Venous Thrombosis at Ultrasound Examination Is Associated to Recurrent Thrombosis Events

Introduction: After the first thrombotic event, up to 30% of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) cases may recur within 10 years. Unprovoked first DVT episode, male gender and persistently elevated D-dimer are important risk factors for DVT recurrence. However, additional elements may still contribute to evaluate the individual recurrence risk. The role of residual venous thrombosis (RVT) as a risk factor for recurrence is controversial. The lack of a standardized methodology for RVT evaluation by conventional ultrasonography (US) may explain, in part, why the results are divergent among different studies. Several clinical studies in arterial thrombosis have evaluated the echogenicity of atherosclerotic plaques by grayscale median (GSM) computer-assisted ultrasound (US) analysis, and carotid plaques showing lower US-generated GSM values (<25) were identified as high risk lesions since they more prone to embolization. In this context, we hypothesized that the assessment of RVT echogenicities, by US-generated GSM, could be a new tool for the evaluation of the individual recurrence risk for DVT and possibly guide further antithrombotic treatments.Aim: In patients with history of previous DVT, we evaluated whether the US-generated GSM values for RVT may predict the recurrence of thrombotic events.Material and Methods: This is a prospective study that included 52 patients with at least one episode of unprovoked DVT, or DVT provoked by hormones, attended at the Hematology Center in the University of Campinas, Brazil. Only patients with DVT in the lower limbs and diagnosed in the previous 5 years were selected. Patients with antiphospholipids antibodies and neoplasia were excluded. At the time of enrollment for the study, patients were submitted to a duplex examination and blood samples collection. Medical evaluation was performed twice a year and a new US image was achieved when DVT recurrence was suspected or by the end of the follow-up. The primary endpoint of the study was thrombosis recurrence, and was made 2 years after enrollment for the study. Laboratory analysis: IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were performed by ELISA, D-dimer by turbidimetry and CRP by nephelometry. US-generated GSM : The region containing only the residual thrombus was depicted point by point to trace a surrounding line. GSM was then calculated by specific software.Results: From 52 consecutive patients with previous DVT, 30 patients presented RVT. During the two years of follow-up, 10 patients had a new venous thrombosis event; in all cases of thrombosis recurrence, patients had a previous diagnosis of RVT. Among patients with RVT, those with lower GSM values presented more recurrent events; the GSM < 24 was the optimal cut-off value to determine the risk of thrombosis recurrence (specificity of 95%; 95% CI = 75.13 to 99.87%). The relative risk for recurrence was 2.8 (95%CI= 1.2 to 6.5; P=0.09) greater in patients with GSM <24, comparing to patients with GSM >24. The risk for recurrence was five times greater in patients with GSM < 24 (RR=5.1, 95% CI = 2.115 -12.50; P = 0.0194) if compared to patients with GSM>24 grouped with patients without RVT. We further dichotomized all patients according to the presence of RVT and GSM values; the first group was composed by individuals with thrombus GSM<24, and the second one by either patients with thrombus GSM > 24 and patients without RVT. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-8 were significantly higher in patients with GSM <24 (6.8 vs. 2.2 pg/mL, P=0.03 and 59.1 vs. 19.0 pg/mL, P=0.001; respectively). Levels of PCR (0.37mg/dL), IL-6 (3.13pg/mL) and D-dimer (0.66mg/L) were increased in patients with GSM<24 compared to the other group (0.19 pg/mL, 1.19 pg/m and 0.46 mg/L; respectively), the differences were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that RVT may be a risk factor for recurrence, particularly the recurrence risk seems to be higher among patients with very hypoechoic residual thrombus (GSM<24). Patients with thrombus GSM < 24 also presented higher levels of inflammatory markers, which may also be consistent with higher risk for thrombosis recurrence. GSM values are objectively achieved by computer-assisted US equipments and can be performed in patients taking anticoagulants. Therefore US-generated GSM value of the residual thrombus rises as a promising marker for assessment of individual risk for thrombosis recurrence. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Computed Tomograpy Venography diagnosis of iliocaval venous obstruction in advanced chronic venous insufficiency

Objective:Iliocaval obstruction is associated with venous hypertension symptoms and may predispose to deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Ultrasonography may fail to achieve noninvasive diagnosis of these obstructions. The possibility of using Computed Tomography Venography (CTV) for these diagnoses is under investigation.Methods:Patients with CVI graded at CEAP clinical classes 3 to 6 and previous treatment failure underwent evaluation with CTV. Percentage obstruction was rated by two independent examiners. Obstruction prevalence and its associations with risk factors and CEAP classification were analyzed.Results:A total of 112 limbs were prospectively evaluated. Mean patient age was 55.8 years and 75.4% were women. Obstructions involved the left lower limb in 71.8% of cases and 35.8% of patients reported a medical history of deep venous thrombosis. Overall, 57.1% of imaging studies demonstrated venous obstruction of at least 50% and 10.7% showed obstruction of &gt;80%. The only risk factor that was found to be independently associated with a significantly higher incidence of &gt;50% venous obstruction was a medical history of DVT (p=0.035) (Fisher's exact test). There was a positive relationship between clinical classification (CEAP) and degree of venous obstruction in the limbs studied (Chi-square test for linear trend; p=0.011).Conclusion:Patients with advanced CVI are often affected by obstructions in the iliocaval venous territory and CTV is able to diagnose the degree of obstruction. There is a positive association between degree of obstruction and both previous history of DVT and severity of symptoms of CVI.

Deep Venous Thrombosis after Saphenous Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation: Is it Predictable?

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins caused by saphenous reflux. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a known complication of this procedure. The purpose of this study is to describe the frequency of DVT after RFA and the associated predisposing factors. A retrospective analysis was performed using prospectively collected data from December 2008 to December 2011; a total of 277 consecutive office-based RFA procedures were performed at a single institution using the VNUS ClosureFast catheter (VNUS Medical Technologies, San Jose, CA). Duplex ultrasonography scans were completed 2 weeks postprocedure in all patients. Risk factors assessed for the development of DVT included: great versus small saphenous vein (SSV) treated, right versus left side treated, number of radiofrequency cycles used, hypercoagulable state, history of DVT, tobacco use, medications (i.e., oral contraceptives, aspirin, warfarin, and clopidogrel), and vein diameter at the junction of the superficial and deep systems. Seventy-two percent of the patients were women, 56% were treated on the right side, and 86% were performed on the great saphenous vein (GSV). The mean age was 54 ± 14 years (range: 23-88 years). Three percent of patients had a preprocedure diagnosis of hypercoagulable state, and 8% had a history of previous DVT. On postprocedural ultrasound, thrombus protrusion into the deep system without occlusion (endovenous heat-induced thrombosis) was present in 11 patients (4%). DVT, as defined by thrombus protrusion with complete occlusion of the femoral or popliteal vein, was identified in 2 patients (0.7%). Previous DVT was the only factor associated with postprocedural DVT (P = 0.018). Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward a higher risk of DVT in SSV-treated patients. Factors associated with endovascular heat-induced thrombosis alone were male sex (P = 0.02), SSV treatment (P = 0.05), aspirin use (P = 0.008), and factor V Leiden deficiency (P = 0.01). The use of RFA to treat patients with symptoms caused by saphenous reflux involves a small but definite risk of DVT. This study shows that the risk of post-RFA DVT is greater in patients with previous DVT, with a trend toward an increased risk in patients having treatment of the SSV. Periprocedural anticoagulation may be considered in this subset to reduce the risk of DVT after RFA. Thrombus protrusion without DVT was found to be more likely in patients with hypercoagulability, male sex, SSV treatment, and aspirin use. Additional prospective studies are required to analyze these and other factors that may predict thrombotic events after endovenous RFA.

Assessment of Deep Venous Thrombosis by Grayscale Median Analysis of Ultrasound Images

This study aimed to determine whether grayscale median (GSM) ultrasound (US) analysis could differentiate acute from subacute femoropopliteal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) classified based on (a) the time of symptoms onset and (b) sonographers' evaluation of US images. Patients who had US because of suspected DVT were included. Patients with history of previous DVT, with normal US results or US with findings of isolated calf thrombosis were excluded. A total of 128 venous segments of 63 patients were analyzed. Thrombosed veins and adjacent arteries images were recorded. Thrombi GSM were calculated. Grayscale median was compared with (a) the time of symptoms onset and (b) US image thrombi classification as acute or subacute done by 2 sonographers blinded to patient information. Statistical analysis included GSM Pearson intraobserver variability and t test comparisons of GSM means for (a) short versus long onset periods and (b) acute versus subacute US class, χ comparison between onset history and US class, creation of GSM accuracy, predictive values, and sensitivity curves for acute versus subacute DVT. Intraobserver variability correlation varied between 0.92 and 0.95. Thrombus mean GSM was 23 ± 12 versus 31 ± 16 if symptoms onset was shorter or longer than 2 weeks (P = 0.004). Mean GSM was 20 ± 11 versus 35 ± 14 for acute versus subacute thrombi (P < 0.001). Acute thrombi correlated with onset shorter than 2 weeks (P < 0.001). Grayscale median less than 13, equal to 22, or 33 or less had 85% positive predictive value (17/20), 77% accuracy (98/128), and 90% sensitivity (53/59) to differentiate acute from subacute thrombi. Grayscale median of US images documenting femoropopliteal DVT correlated with (a) the time between symptoms onset and US examination and (b) the sonographers' interpretation of acute versus subacute thrombosis.

Risk factors and therapeutic strategies of deep venous thrombosis during pregnancy

To summarize the epidemiology and risk factors of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) during pregnancy and develop therapeutic strategies. Twenty-nine pregnant women with DVT were admitted into our hospital between 1991 and 2010. And their clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. Among all cases, the occurrence (69%, 20/29) of DVT in the first trimester was highest as compared with those in the second and third trimesters. A previous history of DVT was a leading risk factor (24%, 7/29). Twenty-four cases (82.8%, 24/29) involved left lower extremities. Anticoagulation was the primary therapy. All cases were initially intravenously administrated with unfractioned heparin (UFH) or injected subcutaneously with low-molecule-weight heparin (LMWH). LMWH continued throughout pregnancy in 7 cases. The fetus had a normal development. Due to financial problems, 11 cases in the first trimester and 2 cases in the second trimester switched to oral warfarin from LMWH after the initial treatment. And warfarin was substituted by LMWH by Week 34. However the fetuses died in 4 cases while the other fetuses were normal. Nine cases in the first trimester decided to terminate pregnancy. Treatment decisions during pregnancy carry potential implications for both maternal and fetal health and life. Therefore the DVT strategies during pregnancy differ from those during non-pregnancy. Special cautions should be exercised for the treatment of DVT during pregnancy.

Period frequency of iliofemoral venous occlusive disease by Doppler ultrasound and corresponding treatment in a tertiary care facility

Patients with iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are at highest risk for the postthrombotic morbidity including all aspects of the postthrombotic syndrome. Invasive therapies such as catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and/or mechanical thrombectomy with or without angioplasty and stenting and in some cases open operative thrombectomy improves venous patency, venous valve function, and quality of life in patients with acute iliofemoral DVT. What is the current frequency of acute iliofemoral DVT and how aggressively is it being treated? We hypothesize that the 10-year period frequency of iliofemoral DVT among acute DVT cases is greater than previously reported. Further, we hypothesize that thrombus removal to treat acute iliofemoral DVT is little utilized in current practice. Indiana University (IU) vascular laboratory records from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2008 were searched by CPT code for venous Doppler ultrasound study (n=7240). A random sample based on the IU medical record number of lower extremity Doppler studies was then selected (n=1020) for retrospective chart review. Corresponding clinical information was gathered from the patients' electronic medical record. Acute DVT occurred in 6.8%, and chronic DVT in 8.8% of patients studied (25.7% inpatient, 61.7% female; median age, 56.0 years [range, 4-91 years, 1.1% less than 16 years]). History of previous DVT (33.3%) and cancer (30.4%) were the most common risk factors in patients with acute DVT. Iliofemoral DVT defined as having an iliac or common femoral vein component was identified in 49.3% of acute DVT and in 36.0% of chronic DVT. CDT was utilized in 14.3% and mechanical thrombectomy in 4.8% of acute iliofemoral DVT, and was never used with distal DVT. Warfarin anticoagulation+unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin overlap was the most common treatment for acute iliofemoral DVT (100.0%). In 2008, the referral base of our laboratory increased significantly. Acute DVT occurred significantly less often during the 1-year period 2008 (5.3%) than the 10-year period 1998-2007 (7.6%), but iliofemoral+common femoral DVT as a component of acute DVT did not differ significantly. Iliofemoral DVT may be more frequent than previously reported and represents a significant portion of acute DVT. Current recommendations of acute thrombus removal for the treatment of iliofemoral DVT is underutilized suggesting that perhaps greater education of clinicians and patients regarding invasive therapy for iliofemoral DVT is required.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: Center case review

To retrospectively analyze nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) cases at our center, to determine prior gadolinium based contrast agent (GBCA) administration and to evaluate possible common risk factors for the development of NSF by reviewing laboratory data and concurrent medications. A total of four data bases (pathology, MRI, dialysis, and medical records) were cross-referenced for identification and evaluation of NSF patients. Medical history of NSF patients was assessed as for previous deep venous thrombosis (DVT), surgery, or infections. Laboratory data (creatinine, anion gap, calcium, phosphorus, and albumin) as well as concurrent medication were evaluated. Findings were compared to those of a control group of non-NSF dialysis patients. Between October 2003 and February 2007 a total of nine NSF cases were identified. All patients had undergone contrast-enhanced MRI prior to the diagnosis of NSF. Only one gadolinium chelate had been used at our MRI center (Omniscan, gadodiamide; GE Healthcare). Of nine patients, eight were receiving dialysis at the time of the MRI scan. During the same time 312 dialysis patients received gadodiamide. Thus, the prevalence of NSF within dialysis patients exposed to gadodiamide was 2.6%. NSF patients presented with a higher creatinine and anion gap than the control patients. Other laboratory values as well as medication did not show a significant difference. There were no patterns regarding previous history of DVT, surgery, or infection in the NSF group. Our findings are consistent with the previously reported association between gadodiamide exposure and NSF. All NSF patients had severe renal insufficiency with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 30 (highest GFR = 25 mL/minute) at the time of last gadodiamide administration, and on average had received 71 mL of gadodiamide over an average of 2.9 administrations.

Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life after Deep Venous Thrombosis: Two-Year Results from a Canadian Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study (The VETO Study).

Background and Objectives: The long term effects of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) on health-related quality of life (QOL) have not been prospectively evaluated. During a Canadian multicentre cohort study of health and economic outcomes after DVT (the Venous Thrombosis Outcomes [VETO] Study), we measured QOL during the 2 years after DVT and evaluated the influence of development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and other determinants on QOL.Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with acute DVT at seven participating hospital centres were recruited from April 2001-July 2002. During study visits at Baseline, 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 months, clinical data were collected, a standardized assessment for PTS was performed and QOL questionnaires were self-completed. Generic QOL was measured using the SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire. Venous disease-specific QOL was measured using the VEINES-QOL questionnaire. For both questionnaires, lower scores indicate poorer QOL. Mean QOL at each time point and change in QOL scores over 24 months follow-up were quantified. The influence of PTS and other clinical or demographic characteristics on QOL was evaluated using multivariate regression analyses.Results: Of the 359 patients recruited, 49% were male, average age was 56 years, 2/3 were outpatients and 55% had proximal DVT. The cumulative incidence of PTS during follow-up was 37%. On average, QOL scores in the cohort improved during follow-up (mean improvement from Baseline to 24 months: 7.2 points for SF-36 mental component summary (MCS), 7.5 points for SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and 4.7 points for VEINES-QOL). Patients who developed PTS, compared with those who did not, had significantly lower PCS scores and VEINES-QOL scores at all 5 follow-up visits (differences for PTS vs. no PTS ranged from 2.4-9.0 points for PCS and from 4.5-6.0 points for VEINES-QOL), and significantly lower MCS scores at the 1, 4, 8 and 12 month visits (differences ranged from 3.7–4.7 points). Multivariate regression analyses adjusted for age, sex and comorbidity showed that PTS and proximal (vs. distal) location of initial DVT were strong independent predictors of lack of improvement of PCS scores (p=.003 and .02, respectively) and VEINES-QOL scores (p=.006 and .009, respectively) during follow-up, but not of MCS scores (p=0.054 and 0.86, respectively). Variables such as body mass index, concurrent pulmonary embolism at time of DVT diagnosis and previous history of DVT did not influence change in scores for any QOL measure.Conclusions: The principal determinants of quality of life after DVT are development of PTS and proximal (vs. distal) location of initial DVT. Our study provides valuable prognostic information on health outcomes after DVT.

Superficial venous thrombosis of the lower extremities: analysis of risk factors, and recurrence and role of anticoagulation.

Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) of the lower extremities is a common ailment seen in outpatient offices of vascular medicine and surgery practices. This study of 60 consecutive outpatients was carried out to examine the incidence of concomitant deep venous thrombosis (DVT), risk factors associated with SVT, recurrence of SVT and/or new DVT, and the role of anticoagulant therapy in the prevention of recurrence. Concomitant SVT and DVT (13%) were significantly less likely to be present in patients with varicose veins as compared to patients without varicose veins (p < 0.04) and more likely to be present in patients with a previous history of DVT (p < 0.02). Fifteen patients (25%) developed either recurrent SVT or new DVT, with two patients developing both SVT and DVT. The absence of varicose veins and the presence of a hypercoagulable condition (n = 12) appeared to influence the development of new DVT but not the recurrence of SVT. Recurrent SVT was much more likely in patients with thrombosis of the tributaries (p < 0.0008). New DVT was seen significantly less frequently in patients on anticoagulants (p < 0.02).

Diagnosis of Recurrent Deep Venous Thrombosis Using B-Mode Ultrasonic Imaging

Accurate diagnosis of recurrent deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with postphlebitic syndrome or a history of previous DVT can be extremely difficult. Real-time B-mode ultrasonic imaging (UI) was compared to ascending contrast venography (ACV) in a prospective study of 38 limbs with suspected recurrent DVT to determine if UI could reliably detect recurrent thrombosis. Six limbs had normal deep veins and 32 had evidence of previous DVT by both techniques. Acute thrombus was diagnosed by both UI and ACV in 9 limbs and by UI alone in an additional three limbs. New thrombus was found in 13 popliteal-proximal and 10 calf veins by UI; while ACV detected 12 popliteal-proximal and five new calf vein thromboses. UI is comparable to ACV in detecting recurrent thrombosis and may be particularly useful in assessing the calf veins.