Soleal Vein Thrombosis Research Articles

THE "CLOT" THICKENS: HYPERKALEMIA DUE TO ACUTE LIMB ISCHEMIA IN COVID-19

TOPIC: Critical Care TYPE: Fellow Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been implicated in a devastating inflammatory response resulting in thromboembolic events. Upwards of 40% of patients have been reported to have venous thromboembolism while the incidence of arterial thrombotic events, including acute limb ischemia (ALI), is estimated to be lower at 5%. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and treatment of ALI in COVID-19 to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old man with hypertension and pre-diabetes presented to our facility with tachypnea and hypoxia with oxygen saturation of 80%. He was placed on high flow nasal cannula but required intubation due to respiratory failure. Initial laboratory values revealed D-dimer 460 ng/mL, C-reactive protein 109 mg/L, ferritin 3,282 ng/mL, and creatine kinase 700 U/L. Right soleal vein thrombosis was identified on lower extremity ultrasound and he was started on intravenous heparin with therapeutic levels. On hospital day 4, he became acutely hypotensive and hyperkalemic to 7.9 mmol/L. Physical exam was notable for cold lower extremities with mottling while laboratory values showed lactate 4.1 mmol/L, D-dimer greater than 10,000 ng/mL, ferritin 23,712 ng/mL, and creatine kinase 21,078 U/L. Upon evaluation with lower extremity arterial duplex, there was no Doppler signal detected in the bilateral common femoral, superficial femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and anterior tibial arteries. A subsequent CT angiogram revealed extensive bilateral pulmonary emboli, acute total occlusion of the aorta beginning distal to the renal arteries, and extensive lower limb muscle stranding suggestive of ischemic injury. He was taken to the operating room and underwent emergent thrombolysis and thrombectomy. Unfortunately, he suffered severe reperfusion injury and expired shortly after the procedure. DISCUSSION: ALI presents with the 6 Ps: pain, pallor, paralysis, paresthesia, poikilothermia, and pulselessness. In COVID-19, it is estimated that 71% of arterial thrombotic events involve the lower extremities. Patients at risk are noted to be males over the age of 60 with diabetes and hypertension. Diagnosis can be made with duplex ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography. After initiating therapeutic anticoagulation, vascular surgery should be consulted for management options such as catheter-directed thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, or open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the significance of arterial thrombotic events in COVID-19 and the importance of early recognition of ALI. Unexplained hyperkalemia should be thoroughly investigated as it can be a presentation of myonecrosis secondary to ALI. Prompt initiation of anticoagulation and vascular surgery consult are vital in limiting morbidity and mortality. REFERENCE #1: Helms J, Tacquard C, Severac F, et al. High risk of thrombosis in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicenter prospective cohort study. Intensive Care Med. 2020;46(6):1089-1098. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Talha Demirci, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Himanshu Deshwal, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by ron goldenberg, source=Web Response

Efficacy and Safety of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) for Direct Oral Anticoagulant Reversal: A Single Institutional Experience

BackgroundAn increasing number of patients (pts) requiring anticoagulation are treated with oral factor Xa inhibitors (DOAC) as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists. Prior to the recent approval of coagulation factor Xa (recombinant), inactivated-zhzo in May 2018, four factor prothrombin complex concentrates (4PCC) have been used to reverse the effects of DOACs. We retrospectively analyzed our institutional experience with 4 PCC for reversal of apixaban and rivaroxaban to determine the indications for 4PCC use and outcomes.MethodsAfter IRB approval, pts receiving 4PCC, from Feb 2016 to January 2018 were identified from our pharmacy database and pts receiving PCC for reversal of apixiban and rivaroxaban were selected. Consenting pts medical records (MR) were reviewed for demographics and indications for DOAC and 4PCC as well as outcomes of 4PCC use. Pts were excluded if they had discontinued DOAC greater than 7 days before receiving 4PCC or if they were started on alternative forms of anticoagulation at a therapeutic dose prior to receiving PCC.Primary endpoint was clinical efficacy (clinical improvement or stability) or ability to undergo required procedure) and secondary endpoint was safety (thromboembolism and death) up to 35 days post-infusion of 4PCC. Stability for intracranial hemorrhages (ICH) was determined by clinical improvement and if head imaging performed, no change in head CT or MRI scan, whereas stability for other bleeds was determined by hemoglobin stability and opinions of providers in the MR. Primary efficacy outcome for pts undergoing surgery was based on MR comments by the performing surgeon and use of other hemostatic agents and red blood cell transfusions.Results49 (32 male) pts, median age of 74 (31-95) years, met our study criteria and received 4PCC for reversal of apixaban (n=29) and rivaroxaban (n=20). Indications for anticoagulation were atrial fibrillation (n=35) and thrombosis (n=14). Of the 14 pts with thrombosis, 11 had deep vein thrombosis while 3 had thrombosis at other sites (arterial graft thrombus, aortic thrombus, and portal vein thrombosis). 4PCC was administered in the emergency department (n=36), intensive care unit (n=10), or the general medical wards (n=3). Indications for 4PCC included bleeding (n=40), procedure/surgery (n=6), and hemodynamic instability with clinical suspicion for bleeding (n=3). Bleeding location is reported in table 1. All procedure/surgery performed for clinical symptoms not related to hemorrhage were non-elective procedures and included exploratory laparotomy (n=4), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n=1), and incision and drainage of abdominal wall abscess (n=1). Median PCC dose was 42 (10.3-63.3) IU/kg.Outcomes32/40 (80%) pts had stability or an improvement in bleeding, while 5 pts had bleeding that did not improve. 3 pts, all with ICH, had a bleed that worsened 8 (6-8) hours after PCC but then spontaneously stabilized 24 (8-24) hours later. Of those presenting with clinical bleeding, 3 pts received FFP within 3 hours prior to treatment with 4PCC, 2 pts received FFP within 12 hours after 4PCC, and 2 pts received FFP within 3 hours before and 12 hours after 4PCC. Of 40 pts receiving PCC for bleeding, 14 also had a procedure to help achieve hemostasis (Table 2).All 6 pts were able to undergo procedure/surgery. 5/6 patients achieved adequate hemostasis. One pt had no mention of unanticipated bleeding in the MR but received 8 units of FFP intraoperatively after 4PCC.6/49 (12%) pts had a thrombotic complication within 35 days of receiving PCC (median 4 days; (range 1-31) including arterial graft thrombus (n=1), superficial venous thrombus (n=1), bilateral soleal vein thrombosis (n=1), internal jugular vein and innominate vein thrombosis (n=1) stroke (n=1), and progression of preexisting portal vein thrombosis (n=1). All-cause mortality was 20%. 3/10 deaths were in pts who never achieved neurologic recovery after ICH and one pt had stroke-like symptoms leading to death 30 days after 4PCC (administered for ICH).ConclusionIn this cohort, 80% of pts demonstrated clinical stability/improvement of hemorrhage. All pts were able to undergo surgical procedures; however 17% required additional FFP to achieve hemostasis. Thromboembolism occurred in 12% of patients. No deaths could definitely be attributed to 4PCC; however, 30% of deaths could be attributable to the underlying hemorrhagic episode. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Preoperative Evaluation of Soleal Vein Diameter by Ultrasound Is Beneficial for Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis after Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty.

Purpose The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the association between preoperative soleal vein (SV) diameter and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods A total of 402 patients were enrolled, with 229 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 173 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Ultrasonography was performed 1-3 days preoperatively, on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, or before discharge and during follow-up. The SV diameter was assessed preoperatively. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to compare parameters between the DVT group and the non-DVT group. Results 78 patients (19.4%) were found to have DVT during hospitalization and after discharge and 14 patients (3.5%) developed symptomatic DVT. Multiple regression analysis showed that SV diameter, advanced age, and surgery type were independent predictors of postoperative DVT. In the logistic regression analysis for symptomatic DVT, SV diameter was found to be the only predictor. In the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis for the value of SV diameter in diagnosing DVT, the area under curve (AUC) was 0.701 ((95% CI 0.636-0.766), P<0.001) and when the cut-off value of SV diameter was set at 0.57 cm, the sensitivity and specificity of SV diameter were 62.7% and 72.1%, respectively. Conclusions SV diameter was an independent risk factor for total and symptomatic DVT after TJA. Preoperative ultrasound screening of the SV diameter may be beneficial for the prevention of postoperative DVT.

Pathophysiology of Venous Thromboembolism with Respect to the Anatomical Features of the Deep Veins of Lower Limbs: A Review

Here the pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism is reviewed with respect to the anatomical features of the deep veins of lower limbs. A thrombus is less likely to form in the thigh veins compared with that in the calf veins; however, clinical symptoms are more likely to appear in the thigh veins owing to vascular occlusion. When a patient is bedridden, thrombosis is more likely to occur in the intramuscular vein, which mainly depends on muscular pumping and the venous valve, rather than in the three crural branches, which mainly depends on the pulsation of the accompanying artery. Thrombi are prone to be generated in the soleal vein compared with those in the gastrocnemius vein because of the vein and muscle structures. A soleal vein thrombosis grows toward the proximal veins along the drainage veins. To prevent a sudden pulmonary thromboembolism-related death in bedridden patients, preventing soleal vein thrombus formation and observing the thrombus proximal propagation via the drainage veins are clinically important. When deep vein thrombosis occurs, avoiding embolization and sequela caused by the thrombus organization is necessary.

Pathophysiology of Venous Thromboembolism with Respect to the Anatomical Features of the Deep Veins of Lower Limbs: A Review.

Here the pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism is reviewed with respect to the anatomical features of the deep veins of lower limbs. A thrombus is less likely to form in the thigh veins compared with that in the calf veins; however, clinical symptoms are more likely to appear in the thigh veins owing to vascular occlusion. When a patient is bedridden, thrombosis is more likely to occur in the intramuscular vein, which mainly depends on muscular pumping and the venous valve, rather than in the three crural branches, which mainly depends on the pulsation of the accompanying artery. Thrombi are prone to be generated in the soleal vein compared with those in the gastrocnemius vein because of the vein and muscle structures. A soleal vein thrombosis grows toward the proximal veins along the drainage veins. To prevent a sudden pulmonary thromboembolism-related death in bedridden patients, preventing soleal vein thrombus formation and observing the thrombus proximal propagation via the drainage veins are clinically important. When deep vein thrombosis occurs, avoiding embolization and sequela caused by the thrombus organization is necessary.

Soleal and gastrocnemius vein thrombosis in a patient with a muscular hematoma

Soleal and gastrocnemius vein thrombosis in a patient with a muscular hematoma

Management of Acute Isolated Soleal Vein Thrombosis in a Pregnant Patient With an Osteopathic Approach to Evaluation

In pregnant women, the risk of venous thromboembolism increases 4 to 5 fold over that in nonpregnant women. Deep vein thromboses in the calf occur in approximately 6% of cases, with a 20% incidence of propagation, but new imaging methods suggest a higher rate. Nevertheless, the management of isolated soleal vein thrombosis is currently one of the most debated issues in the field of venous thromboembolism, and a clear set of principles for the management of this unique clinical problem remains undefined. The authors present the case of a 37-year-old woman with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions and cervical insufficiency who presented with a short cervix and acute right isolated soleal vein thrombosis. Long-term anticoagulantion therapy was recommended. Future studies on the risk of isolated soleal vein thrombosis propagation in the setting of pregnancy are required to identify the most effective treatment options for this clinical problem.

Relationship between reconstruction of the clivo -axial angle and curative effect in posterior approach surgery for the treatment of upper cervical spine anomaly instability

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the clinical outcomes and improvement of clivo-axial angle (CAA) during the posterior approach surgery of upper cervical anomaly instability patients. Methods All of 32 patients with symptomatic upper cervical anomaly instability were followed up from 2004 Apr. to 2014 Aug. in which 1 patient was excluded because of reoperation. There were 10 patients with OS odontiodeum,5 with odontoid deformity, 4 with Klipple-Feil syndrome, 4 with atlantoaxial dislocation, 4 with atlantoaxial instability, 1 with rheumatoid arthritis, 1 with old odontoid fracture, 1 with OS odontoideum and foramen magnum stenosis, 1 with basilarinvagination and Klipple-Feil syndrome. They were all performed posterior reduction internal fixation and fusion, and then released spinal cord compression with the promotion of CAA. The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of decompression or not: nondecompression group 17 cases (male 8 cases, female 9 cases; age 13-65 years old, average 50.1 years old) and decompression group 14 cases (male 7 cases, female 7 cases; age 19-68 years old, average 49.6 years old). The CAA numbers were measured and compared. The clinic date was compared between preoperatively and postoperatively, which included Neck Disability Index and Nurick Classification System for Myelopathy. Results All patients were followed up, the follow-up time of non-decompression group was 0.7-10.7 years, average 2.9 years; the follow-up time of compression group was 0.3-5.5 years, average 2.9 years. Analysis of CAA, NDI and Nurick score were performed with t-test. The postoperative CAA, NDI and Nurick score improved significantly compared to preoperative ones. There was no difference between non-decompression group and decompression group. One patient felt nausea and vomited, one got soleal vein thrombosis, one had a swelling face and blurring vision and one had decompression syndrome after operation, all of these were improved using respectively therapy. No such serious complications as injury to vertebral artery, infection or internal fixation loosening occurred. Conclusion Neck ability and spinal cord function was significantly improved through increasing CAA for the upper cervical anomaly instability patients underwent posterior reduction internal fixation andfusion. Key words: Atlanto-axial joint; Atlanto-occipital joint; Joint instability; Spinal cord compression; Cranial fossa, posterior

孤立性ひらめ筋内静脈血栓の抗凝固療法：血栓変化と右心負荷変動

孤立性ひらめ筋内静脈血栓の抗凝固療法：血栓変化と右心負荷変動

Outpatient Surveillance Protocol of Isolated Calf Deep-Vein Thrombosis

Objectives This study aims to compare the management of isolated soleal, gastrocnemius, peroneal, and posterior tibial vein thrombosis among outpatients with serial duplex ultrasound (DUS) over 30 days, versus anticoagulation. Methods After obtaining IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2009 to December 2010. A total of 15, 877 lower extremity DUS were performed. Inpatients, trauma patients, and patients with thrombi in or proximal to the popliteal vein were excluded to focus exclusively on an unprovoked outpatient population. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted as well as descriptive statistics of the data. Results The cohort consists of one hundred sixty-eight (n = 168) outpatients with isolated calf deep vein thrombosis (ICDVT). Thrombus was most frequently identified in the soleal vein (45%) followed by the peroneal (39%), gastrocnemius (29%), and the posterior tibial vein (23%). Following diagnosis of ICDVT, thirty-eight patients (n = 38) received anticoagulation. The remaining cohort (n = 130) underwent surveillance with serial DUS at 3, 10, and 30 days. Eleven percent (11%) propagated to the popliteal vein or proximally during surveillance, versus 8% following anticoagulation. Among those that propagated proximally, 85% propagated within two weeks of initial diagnosis. Proximal propagation ( p = 0.8328), pulmonary embolism ( p = 0.0537), and development of new thrombus in additional calf veins ( p = 0.1471) did not differ among those treated with anticoagulation or serial DUS. Conclusions Serial DUS without anticoagulation is safe management of ICDVT in unprovoked ambulatory outpatients.

Relationship between Specific Distributions of Isolated Soleal Vein Thrombosis and Risk Factors.

The relationship between specific distributions of isolated soleal vein thrombosis (SVT) and risk factors was investigated. The subjects included 93 patients with SVT diagnosed with ultrasonography. In the acute thrombus distribution, the thrombi of central veins were significantly more frequent than the thrombi of medial veins in the unilateral SVT. The thrombi of central veins were not more significantly frequent than the thrombi of medial veins in the bilateral SVT. The risk factors of bilateral SVT are considered to be different from that of the unilateral SVT. (English translation of J Jpn Coll Angiol 2013; 53: 159-166).

孤立性ひらめ筋内静脈血栓の分布特性と危険因子との関連

要 旨：ひらめ筋内の静脈群分類において，孤立性血栓の分布特性と危険因子の関連を検討した。下肢静脈エコーで診断した孤立性血栓93例を対象とした。急性期血栓において，片側血栓では中央静脈血栓の頻度は内側静脈血栓より多かったが，両側血栓では両群に頻度差がなかった。孤立性血栓では，両側血栓には片側血栓とは異なる危険因子が関与する。

Isolated calf muscular vein thrombosis is associated with pulmonary embolism and a high incidence of additional ipsilateral and contralateral deep venous thrombosis.

Little is known about the natural history of isolated gastrocnemial and soleal vein thrombosis (IGSVT), and recommendations for treatment and follow-up are therefore anecdotal. This study sought to determine the rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) progression and resolution and theeffect of antithrombotic therapy in patients with IGSVT. A vascular laboratory database was queried from January 2002 to December 2006 to identify patients with duplex-diagnosed IGSVT and follow-up duplex scan studies. Duplex scan examinations were reviewed to determine rates ofresolution and development of new ipsilateral and contralateral VTE. Records were reviewed for comorbid conditions, VTE risk factors, anticoagulation therapy, the effect of anticoagulation on resolution of IGSVT, and diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) confirmed by computed tomographic angiography. Patients with at least one follow-up duplex scan studywere included in our analysis. Sixty-five limbs with isolated IGSVT were identified in 57 patients with follow-up duplex scans (mean, 2.75 studies per patient; mean follow-up, 113days). Twenty patients (35%) received therapeutic anticoagulation after the IGSVT diagnosis. There were sevenPEs, two on the same day as initial IGSVT diagnosis, and two within 1 week of diagnosis. IGSVT resolution rates by Kaplan-Meier analysis at 1 and 3 months were 20% and 41%, respectively. Eleven patients (19%) developed additional ipsilateral deep venous thrombosis (DVT; three axial calf vein thromboses and five proximal DVT) or contralateral DVT (oneaxialcalf vein thrombosis [CVT], one IGSVT, and one proximal DVT) during follow-up. Of the eight patients who developed additional ipsilateral DVT, five also developed concurrent contralateral DVT. Overall, 14% of patients developed contralateral DVT. Median time to development of additional DVT was 10 days. Therapeutic anticoagulation was associated with DVT resolution. However, VTE recurrence was not significantly affected by age, gender, anticoagulation, oral contraceptives, known hypercoagulable states, or comorbidities (smoking, cancer, trauma, postsurgical status, renal failure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or cardiopulmonary abnormalities; P> .05). Isolated calf muscular vein thrombosis is associated with PE and a significant incidence of VTE progression. Therapeutic anticoagulation is associated with DVT resolution, but its effect on VTE recurrence was not demonstrated. Untreated patients with IGSVT should receive follow-up bilateral lower extremity venous duplex scans within 10 days of diagnosis.

Relation between Isolated Venous Thrombi in Soleal Muscle and Positive Anti-Nuclear Antibody.

In patients with isolated soleal vein thrombosis (SVT), the relation between acute thrombi and positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) was investigated. The subjects were 116 lower extremities in 86 patients with SVT. They were diagnosed and examined by ultrasonography and blood serum analysis (D-dimer, ANA), and had been followed up every three months. They had acute SVT in 35 limbs (30%) and chronic SVT in 86 limbs (70%), and they had positive ANA in 63%. They had recurrent SVT in 26%, and all were positive for ANA. ANA-positivity might be a risk factor for acute thrombi in patients with SVT. (*English Translation of J Jpn Coll Angiol 2010; 50: 417-422.).

孤立性ひらめ筋内静脈血栓と肺高血圧の関連

要 旨：孤立性ひらめ筋内静脈血栓(孤立性血栓)と肺高血圧の関連を検討した。対象は肺塞栓疑いの孤立性血栓患者64例である。孤立性血栓は下肢静脈エコー，肺高血圧は心エコーで診断した。診断時の肺高血圧は24%であった。再発監視した28 例では，再発36%(局所再発36%，近位進展21%，肺塞栓7%)，肺高血圧18%であった。孤立性血栓患者では，続発する反復性再発と肺高血圧の対策が必要である。

Isolated Gastrocnemius and Soleal Vein Thrombosis: Should These Patients Receive Therapeutic Anticoagulation?

Isolated Gastrocnemius and Soleal Vein Thrombosis: Should These Patients Receive Therapeutic Anticoagulation?

Isolated Gastrocnemius and Soleal Vein Thrombosis: Should These Patients Receive Therapeutic Anticoagulation?

Isolated Gastrocnemius and Soleal Vein Thrombosis: Should These Patients Receive Therapeutic Anticoagulation?

Management of isolated soleal and gastrocnemius vein thrombosis

The ideal treatment for hospitalized patients with isolated gastrocnemius and/or soleal venous thrombosis is unclear. Recommendations range from watchful waiting to full-dose anticoagulation. This study examines the effectiveness of practice patterns at a single institution as measured by progression of thrombus. All consecutive inpatients with a duplex scan diagnosis of isolated gastrocnemius and/or soleal vein clot (no other thrombotic segments were identified) and where two consecutive duplex studies (Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories laboratory) were available for review were included. Two study groups were identified. TX group included patients who received anticoagulation treatment (heparin [fractionated or unfractionated], heparin substitutes, or warfarin) and the NoTX group included those who did not receive anticoagulant. Demographic, risk factors, comorbidities, length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, ambulatory status, and underlying hypercoagulable states were recorded. Thrombus progression rate in the two groups was compared using the χ2 test. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine the effect of anticoagulation treatment as well as the above demographic and clinical factors on the risk of progression. A total of 141 patients were included in the study, 76 of whom (54%) received anticoagulation. Forty-three patients (30%) had progression of their venous thrombosis: 33% (25/76) in the TX group and 28% (18/65) in the NoTX group (P=.50, by χ2 test). Results from multivariate logistic regression showed that treatment had no significant impact on outcome (Odds ratio=1.28, 95% confidence interval: 0.55-3.01; P=.57]. Patients with end-stage renal disease (6%), or stroke (13%) had significantly higher risk of progression (P<.05). None of the other clinical or demographic factors were significantly associated with the risk of progression. The results speak to the lack of efficacy of anticoagulation in the management of gastrocnemius and/or soleal vein thrombosis in the hospitalized patient. When measured by thrombus progression, treating these patients without anticoagulation appears to be equally efficacious as subjecting patients to anticoagulant therapy. A prospective, randomized clinical trial will be an important step in fully addressing this clinical dilemma.

Isolated Gastrocnemius and Soleal Vein Thrombosis

To determine the incidence of isolated gastrocnemius and soleal vein thrombosis (IGSVT) and the effect of anticoagulation on venous thromboembolism (VTE) events in patients with IGSVT. Although IGSVT is diagnosed with increasing frequency, the clinical significance and optimal management remains unknown. Vascular laboratory studies from April 2002 to April 2007 were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with IGSVT. Medical records were reviewed for demographic data, risk factors, treatment modalities, and VTE events. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Of 38,426 lower extremity venous duplex studies, 406 patients with IGSVT were included in this study. Mean follow-up was 7.5 +/- 11 months. The overall incidence of VTE among the entire cohort was 18.7%, which included 3.9% pulmonary embolism and 16.3% deep venous thrombosis, with 1.5% of patients having both pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. However, the incidence of VTE was 30% (36/119) and 27% (13/48) in patients who received no or prophylactic anticoagulation, respectively, but only 12% in patients treated with therapeutic anticoagulation (23/188; P = 0.0003). Multivariate analysis identified lack of therapeutic anticoagulation (P = 0.017) and history of VTE (P = 0.011) as independent predictors of subsequent VTE development. The rate of IGSVT resolution during follow up was 61.2% with therapeutic anticoagulation, but only 40.0% and 41.0% with prophylactic or no anticoagulation, respectively (P = 0.003). IGSVT is associated with a clinically significant rate of VTE which is dramatically reduced with therapeutic anticoagulation. These data warrant further investigation, taking into account the risks and benefits of anticoagulation.

Management of Gastrocnemius and/or Soleal Vein Thrombosis: Is Anticoagulation Effective?

The ideal treatment for hospitalized patients with isolated gastrocnemius and/or soleal venous thrombosis is unclear. Recommendations range from watchful waiting to full-dose anticoagulation. This pilot study examined the effectiveness of practice patterns at a single institution as measured by progression of thrombus.