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An association between atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis
Paolo Prandoni1, Franca Bilora, Antonio Marchiori
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Second Chair of Internal Medicine, University of Padua Medical School, Padua, Italy. paoprand@tin.it
The New England Journal of Medicine
|April 11, 2003
Summary
Atherosclerosis is linked to spontaneous venous thrombosis, a condition where blood clots form in deep veins. This study found a higher prevalence of carotid plaques in patients with spontaneous thrombosis, suggesting a potential connection between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Thrombosis Research
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) cause is unknown in about a third of patients.
- Atherosclerosis involves platelet activation and coagulation, potentially leading to thrombotic complications.
- The association between atherosclerosis and VTE risk remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between atherosclerosis and spontaneous venous thrombosis.
- To determine if atherosclerotic disease is a risk factor for VTE.
Main Methods:
- Carotid artery ultrasonography was performed on 299 patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and 150 controls.
- Patients were categorized into spontaneous thrombosis, secondary thrombosis, and control groups.
- Plaque presence was assessed in all participants.
Main Results:
- Carotid plaques were detected in 47.1% of spontaneous thrombosis patients versus 32.0% of controls.
- Odds ratios for carotid plaques were 2.3 in spontaneous thrombosis patients compared to controls.
- Multivariate analysis confirmed the association, independent of atherosclerosis risk factors.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between atherosclerotic disease and spontaneous venous thrombosis.
- Atherosclerosis may contribute to the development of venous thrombosis.
- Shared risk factors might underlie both conditions.
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