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A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
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A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

The risk of ipsilateral versus contralateral recurrent deep vein thrombosis in the leg. The DURAC Trial Study Group

P Lindmarker1, S Schulman

  • 1Department of Haematology, Karolinska Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

Journal of Internal Medicine
|May 16, 2000
PubMed

Insights

The risk of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is higher in the opposite leg compared to the same leg. This finding suggests factors beyond impaired venous flow may contribute to DVT recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Thrombosis Research
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant health concern.
  • Understanding recurrence patterns is crucial for patient management.
  • Previous studies have explored risk factors for DVT recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the risk of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the contralateral leg versus the ipsilateral leg.
  • To investigate the side-specific risk of DVT recurrence in a prospective cohort.

Main Methods:

  • An open, prospective, long-term, multicenter follow-up trial.
  • 790 patients with a first-time DVT, without malignancy, were recruited.
  • Follow-up included frequent outpatient visits and annual check-ups, with objective verification of recurrent DVT.

Main Results:

  • Recurrent venous thromboembolism occurred in 192 patients over a mean follow-up of 31 months.
  • Objectively verified contralateral DVT occurred in 95 patients, and ipsilateral DVT in 54 patients.
  • The risk ratio for contralateral versus ipsilateral recurrence was 1.6 (95% CI 1.4-1.9), indicating a significantly higher risk on the opposite side.

Conclusions:

  • The risk of recurrent deep vein thrombosis is significantly higher in the contralateral leg.
  • This observation challenges the sole importance of impaired venous flow in the affected limb for recurrence.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms driving contralateral DVT recurrence.
Abstract

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