Venous Claudication Research Articles

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty Alleviate Pediatric Postthrombotic Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is one of the long-term sequelae of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and effective symptom management in pediatric PTS remains a challenge, with interventional therapy rarely explored in this population. We present a successful case of interventional treatment pediatric PTS, resulting in a remarkable amelioration of her symptoms. This case features a 6-year-old girl diagnosed with hyperinsulinemia, leading to a hypoglycemic coma. Following a mini-pancreatic partial pancreatectomy, she required further intensive care in the pediatric intensive care unit. It was during this period that left lower extremity DVT was identified, prompting warfarin anticoagulation therapy. During the anticoagulation period, she had several bleeding events and was switched to anticoagulation with low molecular heparin. One month later, the left common iliac vein and external iliac vein was found to be completely occluded. Over time, she experienced a gradual onset of lower limb swelling and pain, which, after 6 months, was accompanied by perineal edema and venous claudication. As a result, she underwent successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. In addition, the anticoagulation regimen was adjusted to rivaroxaban. At the 8-month follow-up, we observed significantly improvement in her postoperative lower extremity swelling and symptoms related to venous occlusion had completely disappeared. Moreover, vascular imaging confirmed improvement in stenosis and uninterrupted blood flow. In our review of pediatric PTS studies, we observed limited options to alleviate symptoms, and interventional treatments have not been reported. Our case study, demonstrating the safe and effective use of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, helps to illuminate this area and alleviate pediatric PTS symptoms. This case validates the efficacy and safety of using percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the treatment of postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) in pediatric patients. This interventional approach offers significant symptomatic relief and improves quality of life, especially in cases where traditional anticoagulation therapies fail or lead to complications. The successful case presented emphasizes the necessity of considering endovascular interventions for children with moderate to severe PTS, particularly when conservative management is ineffective. This research underscores the potential for PTA to be adopted in clinical practice, offering a promising new approach for managing pediatric PTS.

Kidney Transplant Loss Due to May-Thurner Syndrome: Case Report and Review of the Literature

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is an extrinsic venous compression by the arterial system against bony structures in the iliocaval territory. The most common variant of MTS is due to compression of the left iliac vein between the overlying right common iliac artery and the fifth lumbar vertebrae. The prevalence of MTS is unknown; therefore, there are only a few publications about MTS in kidney transplant recipients. Risk factors that may progress from usually asymptomatic to symptomatic MTS are female sex, scoliosis, dehydration, coagulation disorders, and radiation. Clinical presentations include acute extremity pain and swelling, venous claudication, and chronic signs of venous insufficiency. We describe a 63-year-old man who underwent kidney transplantation (left iliac fossa). Four days after transplantation, a graftectomy was done due to graft rupture caused by renal vein thrombosis. After imaging studies, a diagnosis of MTS was established. The patient had no typical symptoms of MTS. However, an incidence of right lower limb thrombosis was observed, and due to vertebral discopathy, the patient underwent surgery with implantation of a vertebral implant. After a successful second transplantation on the right side, incidents of thrombosis were observed: superficial thrombosis of the upper limbs and massive deep vein thrombosis of the right lower limb. Thrombophilia was recognized, the graft function is stable, and anticoagulation therapy is being continued. Asymptomatic MTS in the case of coincidence of other risk factors, such as coagulation disorders, history of vertebral operation, and additional pressure of the graft, can result in graft failure.

Literature review of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in peripheral arterial occlusive disease of the lower limbs.

The aim was to evaluate the use of non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapies (regardless of location) in PAD of the lower limbs, whatever the disease grade. A review of the literature was carried out via a search of the MEDLINE/PubMed database from 1975 to 2023. The articles were selected via abstracts by checking (1) medical indications: PAD patients with claudication were retained, excluding neurological or venous claudication, PAD whatever the disease grade (intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia [CLI]) and (2) non invasive electrical stimulations were considered (neuromuscular electrical stimulation and spinal cord stimulation were excluded) whatever the anatomical site. Non-electrical stimuli such as acupuncture and reflexotherapy were excluded. Only 9 items were selected, including 7 studies with TENS treatment on the calf, one with trans-auricular vagus nerve stimulation and one with electro-acupuncture points of stimulation. Even if the mechanisms involved are different, TENS on the calves or in the external ears show an improvement of walking distance in PAD patients with intermittent claudication. The results of the studies show few positive effects in arteriopathy but we should keep vigilant in the technics used since mechanisms are different and not fully understood. Electro-stimulation of the calf and external ear appears to be an easy-to-use and accessible therapeutic option, especially since some PAD patients are still failing to be released from pain, despite the rise of endovascular interventional techniques.

Endovenous Intervention for Isolated Idiopathic Non-Malignant High-Grade Stenosis of the Suprahepatic Inferior Vena Cava for Chronic Venous Congestion

A high-grade stenosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) can cause swelling, discoloration of the lower extremities, and the development of venous ulcers. These patients may be unable to participate in physical activities as well. Although anticoagulation and compression therapy may help alleviate symptoms and prevent repeated thrombosis, few patients develop progressive symptoms. We present a case of an elderly female who had progressive venous claudication, edema, heaviness, and discoloration of both lower limbs. Despite endovascular laser therapy for varicose veins, the symptoms worsened, jeopardizing her quality of life. Endovenous intervention with a stent to treat high-grade stenosis at the junction of the suprahepatic IVC and right atrium (RA) could completely relieve her symptoms and improve her quality of life. Isolated severe stenosis of the IVC at the confluence with the RA is a rare cause of chronic venous congestion. Its leads to refractory venous congestion with secondary skin change with an adverse impact on quality of life. Endovenous intervention using an appropriate endovascular prosthesis is the treatment of choice.

Venous Claudication: a Scoping Review of the Pathophysiology and Clinical Importance

Venous claudication (VC) is under studied, often being excluded from clinical trials and scales. The purpose of this scoping review was to give a historical perspective of VC and analyse the prevalence, pathophysiological aspects, and clinical implications.

Antithrombotic Therapy after Deep Venous Intervention.

Chronic deep venous disease (CVD) can result in significant morbidity and impact on quality of life due to a spectrum of symptoms, including lower extremity edema, venous claudication, and venous ulcers. CVD can be secondary to both thrombotic and nonthrombotic disease processes, including postthrombotic syndrome from prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or iliac vein compression syndrome. Endovascular therapy has become a mainstay therapy for CVD patients, with venous stent placement frequently performed. However, the management of anticoagulation following venous stent placement is not well-studied, with no large trials or consensus guidelines establishing an optimal regimen. The current knowledge gap in antithrombotic therapy is magnified by heterogeneity in practice and data collection, along with incomplete reporting in available studies. Furthermore, most published datasets are antiquated in the setting of rapid evolution in technique and technology available for deep venous intervention. Herein, we summarize the current available literature and offer an approach to anticoagulation and antiplatelet management following deep venous intervention for CVD.

The Effect of Balloon-Assisted Pharmacomechanical Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis on the Patency and Post-Thrombotic Syndrome in Patients with Acute Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis: Is it Really Necessary or Not?

The objective of this study was to describe the contribution and advantage of balloon-dilatation of iliac and femoral veins following pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PCDT) on the development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). From October 2018 and January 2022, 85 patients with acute total occlusion of the iliac and femoral veins were treated with PCDT. The cohort was divided into 2 groups depending on the utilization of concomitant balloon dilatation of iliac and femoral veins (Group 1, n=34, 40.0%) or not (Group 2, n=51, 60.0%) during the PCDT. All patients underwent duplex ultrasound scanning for evaluating the patency of iliac veins and recanalization rates at 3, 6, and 12months postoperatively. The Villalta score was used to score the severity of PTS at 12months postoperatively. Patients who underwent balloon-assisted PCDT (group 1) exhibited significantly higher primary patency rates in common iliac vein (CIV) (recanalization 84.3±14.6%, P=0.003), external iliac vein (EIV) (recanalization 82.8±17.2, P=0.003) and common femoral vein (CFV) (recanalization 88.1±12.1%, P=0.038) compared with the group 2 at the end of 12months follow-up. Only 2 patients underwent venous stenting in follow-up due to severe venous claudication, however, 13 patients were required iliac vein stenting due to severe PTS proved with a high Villalta score at 12-month follow-up. The d-dimer level at 1-year follow-up had also significantly lower in Group 1 due to higher rates of patency and lower thrombosis burden. The most common bleeding events were hematuria (n=4) or oozing in the puncture site (n=4). This study showed that balloon-assisted PCDT reduces the risk of PTS, is more successful in common iliac vein recanalization, reduces the need for the venous stent, and even lowers the D-dimer levels of the patients compared to routine PCDT alone.

Melatonin Alleviates Venous Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Iliac Vein Occlusion.

The iliac vein can be severely stenosed and occluded due to thrombosis, tumor compression, or an anatomical abnormality. Such occlusion could result in limb swelling, venous claudication, and persistent leg ulcers. Its devastating sequelae heavily impact patients lifestyles and the social economy. Due to a lack of a stable and easy-to-operate iliac vein occlusion (IVO) model, its underlying molecular mechanism and pathophysiological process has not been completely understood. Melatonin (MLT) plays a critical role in anti-inflammation, but the potential protective effect of melatonin on venous dysfunction induced by IVO has not been revealed. In this study, a mouse model of IVO was established to study the effects of MLT on injured veins. The results of laser speckle images and Evans blue showed that MLT inhibited venous permeability in an IVO mouse model. Furthermore, MLT suppressed inflammation of surrounding tissues close to the affected vein by inhibiting the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1α, and MCP-1. In addition, endothelial injury was inhibited by MLT using zonula occludens protein-1 (ZO-1) staining. Taken together, we elucidated the therapeutic effect of MLT on vascular dysfunction induced by IVO, mainly by inhibiting the TNF-α, IL-1α, and MCP-1 mRNA levels, improving endothelial function, and inhibiting vascular leakage.

Pharmaco-mechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis versus recanalization and stenting for post thrombotic syndrome after lower limb deep vein thrombosis: a comparative study.

Endovenous interventional procedures can be used in addition to therapeutic anticoagulation to treat deep vein thrombosis in selected patients with proximal vein involvement (vena cava, iliac and/or common femoral). The aim of this study was to compare venous patency and the post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in patients treated with pharmaco-mechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PMT) versus recanalization-stenting for PTS after a proximal lower limb deep vein thrombosis. Between January 2014 and December 2020, this retrospective and monocentric study included patients with very symptomatic acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis treated with PMT within 21 days after diagnosis (PMT group) and patients with PTS caused by chronic venous obstruction treated with recanalization and stenting (CRS group). A total of 116 patients were included (26 PMT, 90 CRS). The rate of primary patency was 81.8% (18/22 patients) in the PMT group and 78.4% (69/88) in the CRS group (P>0.99). The rate of venous patency at the last follow-up was 76.9% (20/26) in the PMT group and 82.2% (74/90) in the CRS group (P=0.57). The median number of stents was 2 (range, 0-5) in the PMT group and 3 (range, 0-7) in the CRS group (P<0.001). The median stent length was 150 mm (range, 60-390 mm) and 280 mm (range, 120-820 mm), respectively (P<0.001). The median last Villalta score was 2 (range, 0-10) in the PMT group and 2 (range, 0-21) in the CRS group (P=0.55). The rate of venous claudication at the last follow-up was 19.0% (4/21) in the PMT group and 12.0% (10/83) in the CRS group (P=0.47). In this study, there was no difference in venous patency and in the rate and severity of PTS between the PMT and CRS groups. The number of stent and their length were significantly lower in the PMT group compared with the CRS group.

Case study: Acute iliofemoral DVT in a young female with factor V Leiden

• The incidence of thrombosis is found to be 4 times higher in females taking the oral contraceptive pill, 7 times higher in individuals with Factor V Leiden, and 36 times higher in those with both risk factors. • Magnetic resonance venography provides detailed anatomical information to confirm the presence of a deep vein thrombosis, post thrombotic syndrome, venous malformations and may thurner syndrome. • Untreated deep vein thrombosis can lead to post thrombotic syndrome which manifests as chronic pain, venous claudication, intermittent swelling and skin changes, with 5-10% of patients developing chronic venous ulceration. • Only 30% of iliac veins recanalise with anticoagulation therapy alone, therefore more invasive surgical techniques must be available. • Dedicated venous stents are now established for the treatment of obstructive lesions caused by thrombosis or may thurner syndrome to help with the venous drainage of the leg.

Contemporary rates of inferior vena cava filter thrombosis and risk factors

ObjectiveInferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis is an uncommon complication associated with IVC filters (IVCFs), with studies reporting rates ranging from 1% to 31%. Few observational studies have described the risk factors associated with IVCF thrombosis, despite the significant clinical sequelae such as post-thrombotic syndrome, venous claudication, and venous ulceration. To better describe IVCF thrombosis and the risk factors, data were queried from Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) participating centers. MethodsIVCF data were obtained from the international VQI database from 2013 to 2019. The patients included in the present analysis had 2 years of follow-up data available. The baseline demographics, medical comorbidities, medication, and procedural, anatomic, and postoperative variables were assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank tests, Student's t tests, or Mann-Whitney U tests for IVCF thrombosis at 2 years. Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of IVCF thrombosis. A subgroup analysis of those who had presented with venous thromboembolism (VTE) was also performed. ResultsA total of 62 U.S. and Canadian VQI-participating centers included 12,874 cases of IVCF placement. Of the 5780 cases with 2 years of follow-up available, 78 (1.3%) had developed IVCF thrombosis. Those who had experienced IVCF thrombosis had had significantly lower rates of diabetes, coronary artery disease, preoperative antiplatelet medications, preoperative statin use, and lower rates of discharge and follow-up antiplatelet medications. On univariable analysis, the cases of IVCF thrombosis also had higher rates of pulmonary embolism and VTE on admission, internal jugular venous access (vs femoral vein access), temporary IVCF use, follow-up anticoagulation, follow-up IVCF complication, follow-up access site thrombosis, and rates of new or propagated deep vein thrombosis at follow-up, and longer postoperative hospital stays. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the independent predictors of IVCF thrombosis included new or propagated deep vein thrombosis at follow-up (hazard ratio [HR], 16.3; 95% confident interval [CI], 9.8-27.3; P < .001), no antiplatelet therapy at follow-up (HR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.9-12.5; P = .001), internal jugular venous access (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.5; P = .001), the presence of VTE on admission (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.1; P = .002), and temporary IVCF placement (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1-5.6; P = .031). In an analysis of the subgroup of patients with VTE on admission, similar predictive factors were identified in a multivariable model. Massive pulmonary embolism was also predictive of IVCF thrombosis in this subgroup. ConclusionsThe rate of IVCF thrombosis remained low in a contemporary international database. The results from the present study of >5000 patients with IVCFs suggest that antiplatelet therapy should be administered after IVCF placement to decreased the risk of IVCF thrombosis.

A systematic review on long-term clinical impact in patients with iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis.

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the long-term clinical impact of iliofemoral (IF) deep vein thrombosis (DVT) based on patient reported outcomes, physician administered test measures and compare medical to interventional treatment. This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. Criteria for inclusion were patients with thrombus involving the common femoral vein or more proximal veins, ≥5-year follow-up and physician assessment. Data quality was assessed using the Robins-I tool and Cochrane tool. Eight studies that fulfilled our criteria were deemed eligible and provided data for 499 patients. There were 230 patients who received medical treatment and 269 interventional. Two studies were randomized controlled trials and six observational. Venous claudication, where reported, was found in 7.7% (1/13) of interventionally treated patients and 21% (13/62) of medically treated patients. Long term symptom resolution was reported in 58% (18/31) and 24% (12/50) of interventionally and medically treated patients, respectively. Venous ulcers were seen in 5.5% (7/126) of medically treated patients and 5% (5/100)of interventionally treated patients. A wide range of signs and symptoms was reported at long-term. Interventional treatment appeared to be better than medical one but the evidence was weak. Given the significant lack of patient reported outcomes, objective testing and use of validated instruments, the results should be interpreted in context with these limitations. Data on long-term outcomes after IF DVT have been poorly reported and outcome criteria should be better defined in future studies.

Clinical presentation and outcomes after endovascular management in a mixed pediatric and adult Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome population

ObjectiveWe retrospectively studied the clinical presentations and outcomes of endovascular management in a mixed pediatric and adult Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) population at a single academic medical center. MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of patients with KTS who had been referred for endovascular intervention after evaluation and diagnosis by a multidisciplinary team at a single academic medical center during a 10-year period. The patient demographics, areas affected, presenting symptoms, previous treatments, imaging modalities, endovascular treatment types, number of treatments, and complications were assessed. The technical and clinical success rates were calculated. ResultsTwenty-six patients with suspected KTS were evaluated. Of these 26 patients, 20, aged 2 to 75 years, had been diagnosed with KTS using the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies criteria and referred for endovascular management. The left lower extremity was affected most often. The presenting symptoms were pain (80%), edema (70%), bleeding (10%), numbness (25%), and claudication (25%). Of the 20 patients, 16 (80%) had undergone treatment of KTS before presenting to our institution. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound (US) were the most common imaging modalities. Fifteen patients underwent 46 endovascular treatments during the study period. The treatments included 5 endovenous ablations only, 4 US-guided sclerotherapies with endovenous ablation, 5 US-guided sclerotherapies only, and 32 catheter-directed venograms with additional interventions. Localized intravascular coagulopathy was the only procedure-related complication and occurred in one patient after three treatments. The technical success rate was 97.8%, and the clinical success rate was 100%. ConclusionsEndovascular intervention is safe and effective for KTS patients for whom conservative management has failed. Pain and edema were the most common presenting symptoms. Presenting symptoms may be related to pathology of anomalous veins, orthotopic superficial veins or deep veins. Venous claudication can be present in those with KTS despite patency of the deep venous system. Magnetic resonance imaging and duplex US are frequently used modalities for venous assessment. The complications of endovascular treatment are rare but include localized intravascular coagulopathy.

An Underconsidered Cause of Central Venous Occlusion

Classic iliocaval venous compression also known as May Thurner or Cockett’s syndrome is defined as extrinsic arterial compression of the left iliac vein. We present a retrospective case review. A 68-year-old man who was treated for 6 months with rivaroxaban for an unprovoked left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) developed recurrent DVT 2 weeks after cessation. He was evaluated at an outside hospital and anticoagulation was restarted. Thrombophilic workup was negative with the exception of a mildly elevated homocysteine. Adjuncts including prostate-specific antigen, chest radiograph, and colonoscopy were all unremarkable. His symptoms progressed to severe swelling, pain, limited ambulation, and numbness. He presented to another institution where a computed tomography venography revealed a thrombosed iliac artery aneurysm causing extrinsic venous compression. He had a prior aortobifemoral bypass for occlusive disease. He underwent mechanical thrombolysis with the reconstitution of collateral blood flow. Two days after his procedure, his venous claudication resolved. Central venous occlusions can present with a multitude of symptoms including edema, pain, claudication, thrombosis, and chronic venous insufficiency. Central venous occlusion needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of all patients who present with these symptoms. Arterial aneurysm development is just one etiology of extrinsic compression. Treatment can usually be achieved through endovascular approaches.

Clinical and hemodynamic outcome of morbidly obese patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency with and without bariatric surgery

ObjectiveObesity is associated with several medical problems, including chronic venous insufficiency resistant to usual conservative measures. Venous intervention in patients with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 is associated with a higher anesthetic risk and recurrence rate. The aim of the present study was to compare the severity of venous insufficiency in terms of the clinical findings and hemodynamics between morbidly obese patients who had and had not undergone bariatric surgery (BS). MethodsA total of 123 patients with morbid obesity and severe venous manifestations were included in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A included 72 patients who had undergone BS, and group B included 51 patients who had not undergone BS. Assessments were performed using both disease-specific and physician-generated tools and duplex ultrasonography. ResultsOf the 123 patients, 66% were men. The mean patient age was 44 ± 8.2 years. All the patients were followed up for 1 year. The mean BMI for group A had decreased from 50.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2 to 32.9 ± 4.2 kg/m2 (P = .0001). However, the mean BMI for group B had increased from 49.2 ± 6.1 kg/m2 to 50 ± 5.7 kg/m2 (P = .16). For the patients with a history of venous ulcer, the Charing Cross Venous Ulceration Questionnaire score for group A had decreased 77.5 to 36.8 (P = .0001) compared with a decrease in group B from 77.34 to 75.36 (P = .13). In group A, the median Venous Disability Score had improved from 2 to 0 and the median Venous Clinical Severity Score from 8.6 to 2.1 compared with nonsignificant changes in group B. The number of patients with venous claudication had decreased from 8 to 2 (P = .036) in group A compared with no changes in group B. For group A, the mean 36-item short-form heath survey score had increased from 48 ± 6.8 to 81 ± 4.4 (P = .001) compared with an increase from 52 ± 8.8 to 59 ± 1.2 (P = .52) in group B. The mean common femoral vein diameter had decreased significantly in group A (7.3 ± 1.3 mm) compared with that in group B (8.93 ± 1.08; P = .0001). The peak venous velocity showed higher values for the patients who had undergone BS (group A, 14.9 ± 2.5 cm/s; group B, 10.75 ± 2.05 cm/s; P = .0001). Higher mean velocities and a lower diameter resulted in a higher wall shear stress in group A compared with that in group B (2.2 ± 1.1 dyn/cm2 vs 1.16 ± 0.52 dyn/cm2; P = .0001). ConclusionsThe patients who had lost weight after BS experienced noticeable improvements in chronic venous insufficiency compared with the patients who had not lost weight, including an increased rate of ulcer healing, a decreased incidence of venous claudication, and improved quality of life.

Contemporary Rates of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Thrombosis and Risk Factors

Inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) thrombosis is an uncommon event with most literature citing rates ranging from 1% to 31%. Few observational studies describe risk factors associated with IVCF thrombosis, despite the significant clinical sequelae such as post-thrombotic syndrome, venous claudication, and venous ulceration. To better describe IVCF thrombosis and risk factors, data were queried from US and Canadian VQI-participating centers.

A Comprehensive Review Article on May-Thurner or Cockett Syndrome

May-Thurner syndrome—it is also called iliocaval compression syndrome, Cockett syndrome or iliac veincompression syndrome, which occurs secondary to compression of the left iliac vein by the overriding rightiliac artery. In the mid-19th century, it was observed that deep vein thrombosis was five times more proneto occur in the left leg. Risk factors for MTS are Female gender, especially those who are postpartum,multiparous, or using oral contraceptives.Clinical presentations of symptomatic MTS include, acuteextremity pain and swelling, venous claudication, or chronic development of symptoms/signs of venousinsufficiency. The diagnosis of May-Thurner Syndrome is based on the clinical presentation of left lowerextremity swelling and pain in association with radiologic evidence of compression. Doppler ultrasoundwill identify if there is a DVT is present in the iliac vessels, but is unable to visualize iliac vein compressionand spurs.In the absence of DVT and for patients with only mild symptoms of left leg swelling or pain,conservative measures of prevention are used, specifically, compression stockings. These are also used if theseverity of MTS requires more aggressive invasive interventions.

Incidence and severity of postthrombotic syndrome after iliofemoral thrombosis - results of the Iliaca-PTS - Registry.

Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and in particular, iliofemoral thrombosis (IFT) can lead to recurrent thrombosis and postthrombotic syndrome (PTS). Data on the prevalence, predictors and outcome of IFT are scarce. Patients and methods: We retrospectively searched our database of outpatients who had presented with DVT and IFT including the iliac veins from 2014 until 2017. In addition, we performed a prospective registry in a subgroup of patients with IFT. These patients received duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance venography and measurement of symptom-free walking distance using a standardized treadmill ergometry. The severity of PTS was analyzed using the Villalta-Scale (VS) and quality of life was assessed using the VEINES-QOL/Sym Questionnaire. Results: 847 patients were retrospectively identified with DVT and 19.7% (167/847) of these presented with IFT. 50.9% (85/167) of the IFT-patients agreed to participate in the prospective registry. The majority of these patients (76.5%: 65/85) presented with left-sided IFT. In 53.8% (35/65) May-Thurner syndrome was suspected. 27.1% (23/85) underwent invasive therapy. Moderate or severe PTS (VS≥10) occurred in 10.6% (9/85). The severity of PTS is correlated with a reduced quality of life (ρ (CI 95%)=-0.63 (-0.76; -0.46); p<0.01). None of the patients presented with a venous ulcer at any time. A high body mass index was a significant predictor (OR (CI 95%)=1.18 (1.05; 1.33), p=0.007) for the development of clinically relevant PTS (VS≥10) and venous claudication. Conclusions: Every fifth patient with DVT presented with an IFT. The majority developed left sided IFT. Every 10th patient developed moderate or severe PTS (VS≥10). A high body mass index was predictive for the development of PTS and venous claudication.

Antithrombotic Therapy after Venous Stent Placement

Chronic deep venous disease (CVD) affects millions of Americans and can result in significant morbidity, such as debilitating lower extremity oedema, venous claudication, and in severe cases, venous ulcers. CVD can be caused by thrombotic and non-thrombotic disease processes, such as deep venous thrombosis and iliac compression syndrome. Recently, endovascular intervention with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and venous stent placement has become the mainstay therapy for these patients, with several studies demonstrating its safety and efficacy. However, anticoagulation management following venous stent placement is largely unstudied, and there are no large randomised controlled trials or official guidelines establishing an optimal regimen. Most published studies are plagued with data heterogeneity and incomplete reporting. This is further complicated by rapidly evolving improvements in technique and dedicated devices in endovenous intervention. In this article, the authors discuss the current literature to date and offer an approach to anticoagulation and antiplatelet management following venous stent placement in CVD.

Contemporary Rates of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Thrombosis and Risk Factors

Inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) thrombosis is an uncommon event; most literature cites rates ranging from 1% to 31%. Few observational studies describe risk factors associated with IVCF thrombosis despite the significant clinical sequelae, such as post-thrombotic syndrome, venous claudication, and venous ulceration. To better describe IVCF thrombosis and risk factors, data were queried from U.S. and Canadian Vascular Quality Initiative-participating centers.