Superficial Vein Thrombosis Research Articles

Mondor's Disease in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case of Superficial Vein Thrombosis in the Era of COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an inflammatory response leading to a prothrombotic state and subsequent risk of arterial and venous pathology.Superficial vein thrombosis can occur in COVID-19 patients.

Obstetric venous thromboembolism: a one-year prospective study in a tertiary hospital in Egypt

Background and objective Obstetric venous thromboembolism (VTE) poses a life-threating burden and it is one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality with an increased incidence throughout the last decades. The objectives of this study were to assess the incidence of VTE, types of prophylaxis received, and factors determining prophylaxis in women at VTE risk during pregnancy and puerperium at a tertiary hospital for 1 year. Methods This is a prospective study that was carried out at Minia maternity university hospital, Egypt during the period from June 2018 to June 2019. The study included women attended the hospital at risk of VTE as per the RCOG guidelines. Full history, patient characteristics, and VTE risk factors were assessed. Results During the study period, a total of 901 women attended the hospital and perceived at risk of VTE (298 cases during pregnancy and 603 cases during puerperium), about half of them were mild in intensity. They comprise 8.22% of the total deliveries during the study period (n = 10,956). About two-thirds of them (71.5%) had a cesarean delivery. Varicose veins were found in 209 cases (23.2%), previous VTE in 189 cases (21.0%), previous superficial vein thrombosis was recorded in 240 cases (26.6%) and previous arterial ischemic events in 83 cases (9.2%). The vast majority of patients (99.6%) received the pharmacological type of prophylaxis (55.6% of them received unfractionated heparin and the rest of them 43.9% received Aspirin). Only six cases developed VTE from the total included cases with an incidence of 0.55/1000 maternities (0.055%). Obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) and cesarean delivery were significant factors that determine VTE prophylaxis with an odds ratio of 1.68 (95% CI, 1.20–2.35, p < .01) and 2.05 (95% CI, 1.49–2.80, p < .01), respectively. Conclusion The incidence of women perceived at VTE risk was 8.22%, about half of them were mild in intensity. The risk of VTE was higher during the postpartum period than that during pregnancy. The incidence of VTE was 0.55/1000 overall maternities (0.055%). The pharmacological type of prophylaxis was the predominant used type. Obesity and cesarean delivery were significant factors determining VTE prophylaxis.

Management of Superficial Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Varicose Veins: A Survey among Members of National Surgical Society from Republic of Moldova.

PurposeManagement of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) in patients with varicose veins (VV) is not currently standardized. We performed a survey aimed to demonstrate patterns in the management of SVT in the Republic of Moldova.Materials and MethodsThis was a descriptive study whereby members of the National Surgical Society were asked to complete an online questionnaire. In the questionnaire, multiple-choice questions were supplemented with four clinical vignettes of real patients with SVT.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 102 participants (31.1% response rate). In the treatment of SVT, duplex ultrasound was routinely used by 74.5% of respondents, and anticoagulants were used by 70.5%. The full therapeutic dose of anticoagulants was recommended by 63.3% of surgeons, intermediate dose by 21.1%, and prophylactic dose by 15.6%. Only 50% of respondents were prescribed anticoagulants for 1 month or more. In case of surgical intervention for SVT, crossectomy and stripping were performed by 84.0% of surgeons, while isolated crossectomy by 10.7%. In all clinical vignettes, the majority of respondents opted for urgent surgical treatment. The rate of proponents of surgery varied from 43% in cases of isolated thrombosis of tributaries, and up to 72.5% in cases of thrombosis up to the sapheno-femoral junction.ConclusionManagement of patients with SVT and VV in the Republic of Moldova is far from standardized. Prescribed doses of anticoagulants, as well as the duration of anticoagulation are highly variable and often contradict the recommendations of current guidelines. Urgent crossectomy and stripping dominate the pattern of current therapeutic approaches.

Anticoagulation treatment of cancer patients with deep or superficial leg vein thrombosis - a retrospective observational study of German statutory health insurance claims data (the CERTIFICAT initiative).

Background: Thrombosis is a common complication of cancer with a negative impact on quality of life and overall prognosis. Guidelines recommend low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) as initial and prolonged anticoagulation treatment. Little is known about current treatment patterns of these patients in ambulatory care. Patients and methods: The current retrospective observational study interrogates a large German statutory health insurance claims database in order to understand which kind of data can be extracted and analysed. An age- and sex-adjusted sample of about 4.1million insured people from 2011 to 2016 could be used. Cancer patients with incident deep and superficial leg vein thrombosis were identified. Patients with preexisting cancer were allocated to a normal risk group; those who suffered from simultaneously diagnosed cancer and thrombosis were classified as high-risk group. Results: We identified 322,600patients with inpatient or outpatient documented cancer diagnosis in at least two different quarters within one year. 87,755patients were identified with an incident deep or superficial vein thrombosis. 8,201patients suffered from both cancer and incident thrombosis. 56.9% of the patients received an anticoagulation regimen with predominant LMWH prescription, 24.2% vitaminK antagonists, 17.2% direct oral anticoagulants; in 1.7% of patients, no predominant anticoagulant drug/regime could be identified. On average, patients were prescribed anticoagulants for 4.5months. An estimate of clinically relevant gastrointestinal bleeding could be derived (1.8% of patients). Conclusions: The dataset allows assigning detailed information of anticoagulant prescriptions in ambulatory care to well-defined groups of cancer patients. A first analysis suggests that in Germany current medical care of patients with cancer-related deep or superficial vein thrombosis does not entirely comply with guideline recommendations regarding type and duration of anticoagulation.

Effectiveness of treatment of patients with superficial vein thrombosis associated with varicose veins in real clinical practice

Introduction. Approaches to the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis associated with varicose veins (V-SVT) has undergone significant changes in the last decade as a result of randomized clinical studies on the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy in V-SVT. At the same time, there is still not enough specific clinical data covering the results of treatment of patients with V-SVT and reflecting the willingness of doctors to abandon active surgical tactics in this variant of thrombophlebitis.Aim – study the effectiveness of treatment of patients with superficial vein thrombosis associated with varicose veins (V-SVT) in real clinical practice.Materials and methods. A retrospective non-comparative study of the results of treatment of 82 patients with V-SVT (w/m – 49/33, mean age – 55.5 years) who underwent of treatment in two departments of vascular surgery in 2019. A retrospective analysis of outpatient records of 81 patients with V-SVT discharged from the hospital was performed. Clinical and ultrasound parameters were highlighted to summarize the results. The methods of standard statistics applied using the program MS Excel 2016.Results. The localization of thrombus in the system of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in 68 cases (82.9%), in system of the small saphenous vein (SSV) in 8 cases (9.8%), in both systems – 6 cases (7.3%). Localization of the top of the thrombus 20–80 mm from the sapheno-femoral (SFJ)/sapheno-popliteal junctions (SPJ) – 60 (67.5%), passage into deep veins – 12 (13.4%), localization of the top of the thrombus to the level of the middle third of the thigh – 8 (9.0%), in the tributaries and trunk of the GSV/SSV on the leg below knee – 9 (10.1%). The type of the thrombus proximal part: occlusal – 61 (68.5%), non-occlusal – 6 (6.7%), floating – 22 (24.7%). Surgical interventions: high ligation of SFJ – 49 (55.1%), dissection of the SPJ – 8 (9.0%), high ligation + thrombectomy – 12 (13.4%). Conservative treatment at vascular surgery department – 20 (22.5%). Recovery – 81 (98.7%). Death – 1 (massive pulmonary embolism upon admission). After 1 month in the outpatient period, a complete relief of the inflammatory process was registered in 76 patients (93.8%), partial in 5 patients (6.2%). Regression of the thrombotic process: complete in 7 patients (8.7%), partial in 74 patients (91.3%). A case of successful treatment of a patient with V-SVT using parnaparin sodium given in this article.Conclusion. It is necessary to revise the drug therapy of V-SVT with increasing dose of anticoagulants and prolongation of anticoagulant therapy to achieve effective results in regression of thrombotic process in superficial veins of the lower extremities.

Unique Case Series of Occipital Sinus and Its Thrombosis- A Radiological Marvel

Background: Variations of the dural venous sinuses may result in inaccurate imaging interpretation or complications during surgical approaches. One of these variations reported infrequently is the occipital sinus with an overall incidence of under 10%.When present, it may get thrombosed or become source of intracranial bleeds or pose difficulty during occipital craniotomies. Our review suggests that the thrombosis of this unique venous sinus variant is a rare condition as there are very few case reports of the same. Herein, we present a case series of persistent occipital sinus and the unusual combination of a persistent occipital sinus and its thrombosis. Subjects and Methods: The study included 4 paediatric cases that presented with neonatal seizuressecondary to different underlying aetiologies and in retrospect had either persistent andpatent occipital sinus or a thrombosed occipital sinus. A descriptive study of the aforementioned cases was carried out. MRI scanner PHILIPS Achieva 1.5 Tesla was used for diagnosis. Results: One case had thrombosis of bilateral persistent occipital sinuses and superficial cortical veins with minimal intraventricular haemorrhage in bilateral lateral ventricles.Second case had persistent and thrombosed right occipital sinus; while two other cases had persistent but patent occipital sinuses. Conclusion: A comprehensive knowledge of cerebral venous anatomy and meticulous recognition of venous variations essentially helps when dealing with a pathology, which presents along with a particular venous variation, no matter how rare this combination is.

Sonographic evolution of the superficial vein thrombosis of the lower extremity.

Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is a common clinical problem across various treatment settings. SVT shares risk factors with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and carries a risk of thromboembolic complications, greater than previously expected. Little is known about the pathophysiology, resolution and recurrence of this disease. The objective of the present study was to describe the natural course of SVT, and factors correlated with the progression or resolution of the thrombus. We included 218 patients with a recent diagnosis of SVT that were consecutively referred to a thrombosis clinic from the Emergency Department (ED) between January 2016 and April of 2018. The resolution of the thrombus prior to discharge was correlated to gender (female 73.8% vs. male 57.5%, p = 0.015), presence of varicose veins (62.4% vs. 46.4, p = 0.026), absence of family or personal history of thrombosis (98% vs. 91.3%, p = 0.021). The factor most correlated to thrombus resolution prior to discharge was the result of the 2nd ultrasound (improvement 83.9% vs. 16.1%, p < 0.001) immediately after initiation of heparin treatment. In the multivariate analysis, a high thrombus burden in the early follow-up ultrasound was the most significant predictive variable with prior to discharge recanalization (B = 20.9, 95% CI 9.8-44.7; p < 0.001). The follow-up of SVT with duplex lower extremity ultrasound allows us to monitor the evolution and early identify residual thrombosis, as a marker of hypercoagulability and recurrence. This study offers new perspectives for future research, necessary to improve the management of this disease, to reduce long-term complications.

Impact of concomitant deep or superficial venous thrombosis of the legs on survival of patients with pulmonary embolism

BackgroundPulmonary embolism (PE) is a frequent cause of death and morbidity. A few studies suggest that clot burden in pulmonary artery bed is related to PE patients' survival, but the impact of concomitant deep venous thrombosis and/or thrombophlebitis (DVT) on short-term survival of PE patients remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of DVT on adverse outcomes in PE patients. MethodsPatients of the nationwide inpatient sample with PE (ICD-code I26) were stratified for DVT (ICD-code I80) and compared for patient characteristics, risk stratification markers, treatments and outcomes. Impact of concomitant DVT on adverse in-hospital outcomes was tested. ResultsOverall, 346,586 PE patients (53.3% females) were included in this analysis. Among these, in 126,477 (36.5%) DVT was coded. PE patients with DVT were younger, less often of female sex and VTE risk-factors (surgery, cancer) as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases were less prevalent compared with isolated PE.PE patients with DVT showed a significant better survival (5.4% vs. 20.2%, P < .001) and lower adverse in-hospital event rate (9.7% vs. 27.4%, P < .001) compared to patients with isolated PE. Lower risk for in-hospital mortality (OR 0.238 [95%CI 0.232–0.245], P < .001) and adverse in-hospital events (OR 0.302 [95%CI 0.295–0.309], P < .001) were respectively independent of age, gender, comorbidities and reperfusion-treatments. ConclusionsConcomitant DVT affects survival of PE patients. Patients with an isolated PE had higher rate of in-hospital mortality and adverse in-hospital events. Our data suggest, that peripheral thrombus burden in PE with concomitant DVT might be less harmful in comparison to isolated PE with a probably larger thrombus burden.

Update of the SFMV (French society of vascular medicine) guidelines on the conditions and safety measures necessary for thermal ablation of the saphenous veins and proposals for unresolved issues

Venous insufficiency is a very common disease affecting about 25% of the French population (if we combine all stages of its progression). It is a complex disease and its aetiology has not yet been fully elucidated. Some of its causes are well known, such as valvular dysfunction, vein wall defect, and the suctioning effect common to all varicose veins. These factors are generally associated and together lead to dysfunction of one or more of the saphenous veins. Saphenous vein dysfunction is revealed by ultrasound scan, a reflux lasting more than 0.5 seconds indicating venous incompetence. The potential consequences of saphenous vein dysfunction over time include: symptoms (heaviness, swellings, restlessness, cramps, itching of the lower limbs), acute complications (superficial venous thrombosis, varicose bleeding), chronic complications (changes in skin texture and colour, stasis dermatitis, eczema, vein atresia, leg ulcer), and appearance of unaesthetic varicose veins. It is not possible to repair an incompetent saphenous vein. The only therapeutic options at present are ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, physical removal of the vein (saphenous stripping), or its thermal ablation (by laser or radiofrequency treatment), the latter strategy having now become the gold standard as recommended by international guidelines. Recommendations concerning thermal ablation of saphenous veins were published in 2014 by the Société française de médecine vasculaire. Our society has now decided to update these recommendations, taking this opportunity to discuss unresolved issues and issues not addressed in the original guidelines. Thermal ablation of an incompetent saphenous vein consists in destroying this by means of a heating element introduced via ultrasound-guided venous puncture. The heating element comprises either a laser fibre or a radiofrequency catheter. The practitioner must provide the patient with full information about the procedure and obtain his/her consent prior to its implementation. The checklist concerning the interventional procedure issued by the HAS should be validated for each patient (see the appended document).

Slow-pathway visualization by using voltage-time relationship: A novel technique for identification and fluoroless ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is treatable by catheter ablation. Advances in mapping-system technology permit fluoroless workflow during ablations. As national practice trends toward fluoroless approaches, easily obtained, reproducible methods of slow-pathway identification, and ablation become increasingly important. We present a novel method of slow-pathway identification and initial ablation results from this method. We examined AVNRT ablations performed at our institution over a 12-month period. In these cases, the site of the slow pathway was predicted by latest activation in the inferior triangle of Koch during sinus rhythm. Ablation was performed in this region. Proximity of the predicted site to the successful ablation location, complication rates, and patient outcomes were recorded. Junctional rhythm was seen in 40/41 ablations (98%) at the predicted site (mean, 1.3 lesions and median, 1 lesion per case). One lesion was defined as 5 mm of ablation. The initial ablation was successful in 39/41 cases (95%); in two cases, greater or equal to 2 echo beats were detected after the initial ablation, necessitating further lesion expansion. In 8/41 cases (20%), greater than one lesion was placed during initial ablation before attempted reinduction. Complications included one transient heart block and one transient PR prolongation. During follow-up (median, day 51), one patient had lower-extremity deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus, and one had a lower-extremity superficial venous thrombosis. There was one tachycardia recurrence, which prompted a redo ablation. Mapping-system detection of late-activation, low-amplitude voltage during sinus rhythm provides an objective, and fluoroless means of identifying the slow pathway in typical AVNRT.

Feasibility and safety of flush endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein up to the saphenofemoral junction

ObjectiveThe optimal ablation distance from the catheter tip to the common femoral vein during endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is a matter of debate. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of flush ablation (fEVLA) of the GSV. MethodsThis single-center, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data included all consecutive fEVLA interventions of the GSV between September 2017 and October 2018. Interventions were performed with a 1470-nm radially emitting fiber. Primary end points were technical feasibility of fEVLA and endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) class 2 to class 4. Secondary end points were procedure-related complications; anatomic success at week 6; and flush occlusion at day 1, day 10, and week 6. ResultsA total of 135 consecutive intended fEVLA procedures were performed in 113 patients (86 female, 27 male). The average body mass index was 24.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2. The Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) clinical class for these patients was C2 in 78 (57.8%), C3 in 48 (35.6%), C4 in 8 (5.9%), and C5 in 1 (0.7%). The GSV diameter at the saphenofemoral junction was 9.4 ± 2.7 mm with a maximum of 16 mm. In 126 cases (93.3%), concomitant treatment of tributaries with phlebectomy or foam sclerotherapy was performed. In 127 cases (94.1%), fEVLA was technically feasible; in 8 cases (5.9%), appropriate catheter tip placement was not possible. In these cases, “standard” GSV ablation 10 to 20 mm distal to the saphenofemoral junction was performed. In the remaining 127 cases, one (0.8%) EHIT class 2 and one (0.8%) EHIT class 3 developed at day 10. After a 2- to 3-week course of anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, these EHIT cases resolved without sequelae. Furthermore, one (0.8%) superficial vein thrombosis and one (0.8%) calf vein thrombosis at the site of phlebectomy were observed. No local groin complication occurred. Flush occlusion was observed in 94.5%, 95.3%, and 88.2% of the cases at day 1, day 10, and week 6, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis revealed no significant association between flush ablation at day 1 and age, body mass index, CEAP class, fiber type, maximum vein diameter, or applied joules per centimeter. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that fEVLA of the GSV using a radial emitting laser is feasible and seems to be safe.

Retrospective review of D-dimer testing for venous thrombosis recurrence risk stratification: is this a useful test in the real world?

Predicting the risk of recurrence after venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains an important clinical challenge. Post-anticoagulation cessation D-dimer has previously been shown to be associated with increased VTE recurrence in unprovoked major VTE, however this is not routinely used clinically and has not been validated in provoked VTE and isolated distal DVT (IDDVT). We aimed to retrospectively evaluate this practice in the real-world setting including examining its use in provoked VTE and IDDVT. Consecutive patients diagnosed with DVT or PE between January 2013 and December 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical features, VTE risk factors, recurrence and bleeding rates were evaluated for patients with normal and abnormal post-anticoagulation D-dimer, as well as those patients who did not undergo D-dimer testing. Patients with active malignancy, superficial vein thrombosis and inadequate follow-up were excluded. Of the 1033 patients with a diagnosis of VTE in the study period, 173 were included in the "D-dimer tested" group, and 254 in the "D-dimer un-tested" comparison group. Abnormal post-anticoagulation D-dimer was significantly associated with VTE recurrence (HR 5.96, 95% CI 2.15-14.57, p < 0.001). Abnormal D-dimer was also associated with high risk of VTE recurrence in travel-provoked VTE (67.61 events per 100 patient-years), and unprovoked IDDVT (HR 14.37, 95% CI 1.75-117.83, p = 0.013). Males with abnormal post-anticoagulation D-dimer were associated with the highest risk of VTE recurrence (HR 12.95, 95% CI 2.78-60.20, p = 0.001). Patients with unprovoked proximal DVT and/or PE who underwent D-dimer testing had a lower VTE recurrence rate compared to those who did not have D-dimer testing (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.80, p = 0.017). We confirm the utility of post-anticoagulation cessation D-dimer testing to stratify VTE recurrence risk in the real-world setting, including potentially a role of this assay for predicting subsequent VTE in travel-provoked VTE and unprovoked IDDVT.

Molecular Analysis of Prothrombotic Gene Variants in Venous Thrombosis: A Potential Role for Sex and Thrombotic Localization.

Background: Requests to test for thrombophilia in the clinical context are often not evidence-based. Aim: To define the role of a series of prothrombotic gene variants in a large population of patients with different venous thromboembolic diseases. Methods: We studied Factor V Leiden (FVL), FVR2, FII G20210A, Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C, beta-fibrinogen -455 G>A, FXIII V34L, and HPA-1 L33P variants and PAI-1 4G/5G alleles in 343 male and female patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 164 with pulmonary embolism (PE), 126 with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), 118 with portal vein thrombosis (PVT), 75 with cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) and 119 with retinal vein thrombosis (RVT), and compared them with the corresponding variants and alleles in 430 subjects from the general population. Results: About 40% of patients with DVT, PE and SVT had at least one prothrombotic gene variant, such as FVL, FVR2 and FII G20210A, and a statistically significant association with the event was found in males with a history of PE. In patients with a history of PVT or CVT, the FII G20210A variant was more frequent, particularly in females. In contrast, a poor association was found between RVT and prothrombotic risk factors, confirming that local vascular factors have a key role in this thrombotic event. Conclusions: Only FVL, FVR2 and FII G20210A are related to vein thrombotic disease. Other gene variants, often requested for testing in the clinical context, do not differ significantly between cases and controls. Evidence of a sex difference for some variants, once confirmed in larger populations, may help to promote sex-specific prevention of such diseases.

Patterns and risk factors of peripherally inserted central venous catheter-related symptomatic thrombosis events in patients with malignant tumors receiving chemotherapy

ObjectivePeripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC)-related thrombosis (PRT) is a serious complication that can lead to interruptions in chemotherapy and other supportive care, as well as increased hospital stay and costs. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the patterns of symptomatic PRT in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and their risk factors. MethodsA retrospective study of 938 PICC patients from our institution between November 2014 and July 2017 was performed. Symptomatic PRT events were confirmed by color Doppler ultrasonography or computed tomography pulmonary angiography in the presence of clinical symptoms. The variables of interest were extracted from the electronic medical record system. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for PRT. ResultsOf the 938 patients who were followed up for more than 120,000 patient-days, 63 patients (6.7%; 0.51 per 1000 catheter-days) had symptomatic PRT. Sixty-one patients were diagnosed with upper extremity venous thrombosis (UEVT), of which 18 were isolated superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), 19 were isolated deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and 24 were extensive venous thrombosis (EVT). Two patients were diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, and two patients were diagnosed with UEVT with pulmonary embolism. The symptomatic SVT occurred in 42 of 938 patients with cancer (4.5%), which accounted for 68.9% of all UEVT events. The median time to PRT was 21 days, and the median time to catheter removal in the PRT group was 66 days as compared with 117 days in the no PRT group. Predictors associated with increased risk of PRT were age >60 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.142; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.118-4.103) and a chemotherapy regimen containing fluorouracil (OR, 2.429; 95% CI, 1.013-5.825). Hypertension with medication was a protective factor for PRT (OR, 0.306; 95% CI, 0.113-0.828). Among the 28 patients who did not remove their PICCs immediately after PRT was diagnosed, patients with SVT, DVT, and EVT had similar success rates of retaining catheters in situ after anticoagulant therapy (SVT, 83.3%; DVT, 62.5%; EVT, 75.0%; P = .667). ConclusionsAge >60 years and chemotherapy regimens containing fluorouracil were independent risk factors for PRT and hypertension with medication was associated with a lower risk of PRT in patients with cancer with PICCs receiving chemotherapy. PICCs-related SVT was a frequent type of PRT, which might need a better understanding and anticoagulant therapy in patients with cancer with PICCs.

The clinical relevance of anterior accessory great saphenous vein reflux

BackgroundInsurance approval for saphenous vein ablation is generally limited to junctional reflux involving the great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein. This study was designed to investigate prevalence and disease severity of anterior accessory GSV (AAGSV) compared with GSV disease in patients presenting to dedicated outpatient vein centers. MethodsDeidentified data were pulled from the American Vein & Lymphatic Society PRO Venous Registry for first and second patient encounters. Variables included age, sex, and body mass index (BMI); clinical class of Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification; revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (rVCSS); and duplex ultrasound values for each limb. Data were further scrutinized according to duplex ultrasound findings. Patients with normal findings on duplex ultrasound examination or evidence of acute or chronic thrombosis were excluded. Patients were further characterized into two groups. The primary group had no prior vein treatment vs the progressive group, in which patients have had a superficial venous intervention at some point in the past. ResultsThere were 6836 unique patients with duplex ultrasound patterns of either AAGSV or GSV above the knee or both AAGSV and GSV in either group. This pool contained 2604 patients with recorded CEAP class and rVCSS, representing 2664 patient limbs in the final data set. In comparison to limbs in the progressive group, AAGSV reflux was more common in the primary group (78/563 vs 209/2101; P < .01). Demographic features of the groups demonstrated no significant difference. The primary group demonstrated a significantly higher rVCSS (6.95 vs 6.10; P < .01) than the progressive group. Patients in the primary group also demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of more advanced disease (CEAP class C4 and above; 43.1% vs 24.8%; P < .0001) than those in the progressive group. The primary group demonstrated no significant differences in age, sex proportions, or mean BMI. The mean rVCSS for GSV of these patients (7.22) was significantly higher than that of AAGSV patients (5.63; P < .01). The incidence of superficial vein thrombosis for the AAGSV patients (6.41%) was significantly higher than that of the GSV patients (2.17%; P < .05) in the progressive group. Patients in the progressive group demonstrated no significant difference in age, sex proportions, mean BMI, or average rVCSS. The proportion of AAGSV limbs with superficial thrombosis events (37/287 [12.9%]) was significantly higher than that for GSV (59/2214 [2.7%]; P < .01). ConclusionsAAGSV reflux is common and carries similar morbidity to GSV reflux. It is manifested with an alarming presence of superficial vein thrombosis.

What is the risk of DVT/PE in patients diagnosed with superficial vein thrombosis?

What is the risk of DVT/PE in patients diagnosed with superficial vein thrombosis?

A STROBE cohort study of 755 deep and superficial upper-extremity vein thrombosis.

Upper extremity vein thrombosis (UE-VT) are more and more frequent pathologies and yet little studied. The aim is to describe the clinical and ultrasound features, UE-VT-related diseases, and the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and associated deaths.All UE-VT patients diagnosed by Doppler-ultrasound in Nantes University Hospital, from January 2015 to December 2017, were included retrospectively. UE-VT suspicion patterns, clinical features, UE-VT topography, and prevalence of PE and death were analyzed.Seven hundred and fifty-five UE-VT were analyzed, including 427 deep thrombosis (UE-DVT) and 328 superficial thrombosis (UE-SVT). In 86.2% (n = 651) UE-VT were related to endovascular devices. Among these thrombosis, one third is in connection with a PICC LINE and one quarter with a peripheral venous line. Forty nine percent (n = 370) of the patients had solid neoplasia or hematological malignancies. An inflammatory or systemic infectious context was found in 40.8% (n = 308) of the cases. The most frequently observed clinical sign at the UE-VT diagnosis was edema (28.6%). Among the UE-SVT it was the presence of an indurated cord (33.2%) and among the UE-DVT the indication of the Doppler-ultrasound was mainly a suspicion of infection on endovascular device (35.1%). In 10.6% (n = 80) of the cases the UE-VT were asymptomatic. The most frequently thrombosed veins were brachial basilic veins (16.7% of all thrombosed segments) followed by jugular (13%) and subclavian (12.3%) veins; 61.3% (n = 463) of UE-VT were in the right upper extremity; 63.3% (n = 478) UE-VT were occlusive. The occurrence of PE is 4% and the death rate is 10.2%, mainly related to the severe comorbidities of patients with UE-VT.UE-VT occurs in particular clinical contexts (hematological malignancies, solid cancers, systemic infections) and in the majority of endovascular devices (86.2%). The occurrence of PE is low.

The risk of lower-limb superficial vein thrombosis relative to lower-limb venous thrombotic events is not increased in winter months.

Ambient temperature (that impacts differently venous flow in superficial and deep veins) could have a different effect on the risk of superficial and deep venous thrombosis. We searched for a trimestral variation of the risk of superficial venous thrombosis among all lower-limb thrombotic events (lower-limb thrombotic events = superficial venous thrombosis + deep venous thrombosis). We retrospectively analyzed the results of venous ultrasound investigations performed among 11,739 patients (aged 67 ± 19 years old, 56.1% males) referred for suspected lower-limb thrombotic events over a 12-year period. Chi-square test was used to compare the superficial venous thrombosis/lower-limb thrombotic events ratio observed by trimesters to a homogeneous distribution. The proportion of lower-limb thrombotic events were 30.7%, 28.8%, 31.1%, and 31.4% (Chi2: 0.133; p = 0.987) of total investigations, while that of superficial venous thrombosis among all lower-limb venous thrombotic events were 27.2%, 30.0%, 31.4%, and 31.0%, for the first, second, third, and fourth trimesters respectively (Chi2: 0.357; p: 0.949). No trimestral variation of the superficial venous thrombosis/lower-limb venous thrombotic events ratio was observed.

Superficial-vein thrombosis of the lower limb: A pathology that is not always benign

Objectives: The value of our observations is to take stock of the interest of the medical and surgical management of superficial vein thrombosis. Case Report: We report three patients with severe superficial vein thrombosis whose symptoms were painful induration along the course of the superficial veins of the lower limb. The diagnosis was confirmed by venous Doppler, follow-up was marked by the occurrence of thromboembolic complications (pulmonary embolism) in one patient. Results: All patients received emergency treatment-anticoagulation for a week with relay by Vitamin K antagonists, surgery as an emergency consisted of ligation of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) under local anesthesia in one patient (Case 2). One of the patients had a pulmonary embolism 3 days later, and this patient did not receive surgical ligation. The third patient has progressed well on anticoagulant therapy. Discussion: Superficial vein thrombosis of the lower limbs has long been considered as benign with the natural course often leading to resolution of the thrombus and in rare cases complications which can affect the prognosis of the patient. Anticoagulation should be started urgently especially before extensive thrombosis and surgical ligation of the SFJ considered to prevent thrombus propagation. Conclusion: Superficial vein thrombosis is often considered to have a benign course once diagnosed. Experience from our short series suggests that the management should be more aggressive and robust with anticoagulation and consideration of ligation of the SFJ where thrombosis is extensive and reduce the dreaded complication of a pulmonary embolism. Therapeutic recommendations concerning this disease have a relatively weak level of certitude as no treatment has been proved of benefit. We thought interesting to talk through observational clinical cases and expose our personal attitude to a serious superficial vein thrombosis.

Assessment of risk factors in established cases of venous thrombosis

Background: Despite prevalence of venous thrombosis (VT) in Indians, there are few prospective studies. Objective: To analyze the demographic profile, proven risk factors, and coagulation profile of south Indian patients with proven VT. Materials and Methods: This single-center prospective observational study was conducted among patients with proven VT from August 2013 to July 2019. Hypercoagulable workup (serum homocysteine, activity of protein C, protein S and anti-thrombin III, antiphospholipid antibodies immunoglobulin [IgM] and IgG, factor V [Leiden] mutation) was performed. Results: Out of 295 patients (mean age 56 years; male 64%) of VT, 85.76% had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) whereas 14.24% had superficial vein thrombosis (SVT). Patients with DVT were significantly older than those with SVT (P