[Regression of deep venous thrombosis]

The submitted prospective randomized study investigated the way and rate of regression of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities during a six-month out-patient follow up. On discharge on the 5th to 10th day after establishment of the diagnosis the thrombosis had not disappeared in any of the patients, in two patients progression was observed despite anticoagulant therapy. After three months 4.8% thromboses were recanalized, after 6 months 33.3%. In 33.3% of patients recanalization in a distal-proximal direction was found, in 19% in a proximal-distal direction and in 33.3% recanalization occurred throughout the thrombotic occlusion. Thromboses recanalized more quickly in patients under 50 years of age.