Post-thrombotic Syndrome: Recognizing and Treating a Debilitating Complication of Deep Vein Thrombosis

, Benjamin Hohlfelder2 and Samuel Z. Goldhaber3



(1)
Cardiovascular Division, Harvard Medical School Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

(2)
Department of Pharmacy Services, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

(3)
Thrombosis Research Group, Harvard Medical School Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

 



Abstract

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a debilitating long-term complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients with PTS present with chronic lower extremity edema, hyperpigmentation, and, in advanced cases, venous ulceration. PTS results in substantial disability, loss of functional status, and health care expenditure. Compression therapy, including graduated compression stockings, comprises the cornerstone of PTS therapy.


Keywords
Chronic venous insufficiencyDeep vein thrombosisDiagnosisPost-thrombotic syndromeTreatment



Self-Assessment Questions




1.

Which of the following physical examination findings is not indicative of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in a patient with prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

(a)

Varicose veins

 

(b)

Pitting edema

 

(c)

Atrophie blanche

 

(d)

Erythema nodosum

 

 

2.

Which of the following is the cornerstone of therapy for PTS?

(a)

Angioplasty and venous stenting

 

(b)

Graduated compression stockings

 

(c)

Horse chestnut seed extract

 

(d)

Surgical venous bypass

 

 


Clinical Vignette

A 77-year-old woman was admitted to a regional hospital Trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following a high-speed motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries, including bilateral pelvic fractures, left-sided rib fractures, left pneumothorax, a right orbital fracture, and a concussion. Her prolonged hospital course was complicated by bilateral common femoral DVTs despite compression stockings and prophylactic dose subcutaneous unfractionated heparin. She was initiated on intravenous unfractionated heparin as a “bridge” to oral anticoagulation with warfarin. She was eventually discharged home with a plan for 6 months of anticoagulation with warfarin. At her 6 month follow-up visit with her Primary Care Physician, she continued to complain of lower extremity edema, “heaviness,” and “brownish-red discoloration” of her legs around the ankles. On physical examination, she had 2+ pitting edema bilaterally, brown hyperpigmentation above the right medial malleolus, and a reddish hue to her lower legs (Fig. 12.1). Her Primary Care Physician ordered bilateral venous ultrasounds to evaluate for new or residual DVT. Venous ultrasounds demonstrated partial non-compressibility of the bilateral common femoral veins (Fig. 12.2) and small channels of color Doppler flow consistent with partially recanalized chronic-appearing DVT (Fig. 12.3). She was continued on anticoagulation with warfarin and referred to Vascular Medicine clinic for further evaluation. The Vascular Medicine provider diagnosed her with post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) on the basis of her persistent symptoms despite 6 months of therapeutic anticoagulation for DVT. She was prescribed thigh high, 30–40 mmHg, graduated compression stockings to be used daily. Over the course of the next few months, the patient noted a marked improvement in her lower extremity edema and discomfort.

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Fig. 12.1
Physical examination demonstrating bilateral lower extremity edema and reddish discoloration with hyperpigmentation above the right medial malleolus consistent with post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in a 77-year-old woman with bilateral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) diagnosed 6 months prior following a motor vehicle accident


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Fig. 12.2
Venous ultrasound demonstrating partial non-compressibility (ovals) of the bilateral common femoral veins (R CFV and L CFV) consistent with chronic-appearing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a 77-year-old woman with bilateral DVT diagnosed 6 months prior following a motor vehicle accident and ongoing symptoms of edema and lower extremity discomfort (Panel a and b). The DVT is represented by the hyperechoic material (arrowheads) in the lumen of the common femoral veins (Panel a and b)


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Fig. 12.3
Venous ultrasound demonstrating small channels of color Doppler flow (blue) consistent with partially recanalized chronic-appearing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the bilateral common femoral veins (R CFV and L CFV) of a 77-year-old woman with bilateral DVT diagnosed 6 months prior following a motor vehicle accident and ongoing symptoms of edema and lower extremity discomfort

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common and debilitating long-term complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Depending on particular study, the frequency of PTS in patients treated with anticoagulation for acute DVT ranges from 25 to 50 % [1]. Patient-centered outcomes, including physical and mental well-being, quality of life, and symptom severity, as measured by the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey and the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study (VEINES) questionnaire demonstrate lower scores (poorer outcomes) in patients with PTS compared with those without [2]. PTS causes significant patient disability, loss of functional status, lost days at work, and substantial health care expenditures, especially if venous ulcerations form. Failure to recognize PTS can result in excessive courses of therapeutic anticoagulation as well as unnecessary and costly serial venous ultrasounds.


Pathophysiology


Risk factors for PTS include iliofemoral DVT, recurrent ipsilateral DVT, incomplete resolution of DVT symptoms after 1 month of therapeutic anticoagulation, increasing body mass index (BMI), advanced age, and suboptimal anticoagulation during the first 3 months after DVT diagnosis (Table 12.1). The patient in the Clinical Vignette suffered bilateral DVT at the junction of the external iliac and common femoral veins, placing her at increased risk for PTS. The pathophysiology of PTS involves persistent venous outflow obstruction and venous valvular damage and incompetence, resulting in venous hypertension [3]. An inflammatory response to DVT in the wall of the vein causes further venous valvular injury and dysfunction. The combination of local inflammation and venous hypertension leads to capillary leak and clinical findings of edema, hyperpigmentation, and eventual ulceration.
Jun 3, 2017 | Posted by in CARDIOLOGY | Comments Off on Post-thrombotic Syndrome: Recognizing and Treating a Debilitating Complication of Deep Vein Thrombosis

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