Predictor of Recanalization in Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis

Byun, Jong Woong; Kwun, Woo Hyung; Suh, Bo Yang

Abstract

PURPOSE
Residual thrombus is known as a risk factor of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and may induce functional impairment of the affected vein and post-thrombotic syndrome. This study was constructed to examine recanalization rates in patients with DVT at 6 months after treatment and to identify the predictors of recanalization.
METHODS
From June 2006 to December 2009, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 40 patients who underwent a follow-up duplex scan or computed tomography venography at 6 months following treatment. The degree of recanalization on duplex scans was categorized as "complete recanalization", "partial recanalization" and "occlusion". Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the independent predictors of "complete recanalization".
RESULTS
The mean age of individuals within the study was 59 years (33-85 years) and 40% was the participants were female. Ten patients (25%) had transient risk factors, such as immobilization, recent trauma, orthopedic or major surgery. Complete recanalization, partial recanalization, and occlusion at 6 months were obtained in 58%, 25%, 18% (50%, 31%, 19% in anticoagulation alone group and in 71%, 14%, 14% in catheter-directed thrombolysis group, P=0.489, respectively). With regards to the multivariate analysis including the binary logistic regression model, the presence of transient risk factors was the only independent predictor of "complete recanalization" (P=0.041).
CONCLUSION
In our series, complete recanalization rate at 6 months was 58%. Furthermore, complete modulation of transient risk factors during the follow up period seems to be an important predictive factor concerning complete recanalization.