Clinical diagnosis and prognosis of deep venous thrombosis

The reliability of the diagnosis made on the basis of symptoms of deep venous thrombosis and the development of a post-thrombotic state were studied in 53 patients. Pain in the leg was present in 93% and swelling in 82% of the series, both figures are considerably higher than those reported before. The clinical diagnosis was correct in 74% of cases. The post-thrombotic state developed with unexpected rapidity: after one to three years 87% already had symptoms and/or signs of venous insufficiency, and after eight years at the latest all patients had such symptoms and/or signs.