[The post-thrombotic syndrome. A review]

The post-thrombotic syndrome which is caused by deep venous thrombosis and characterized by pain, oedema, pigmentation, eczema, lipodermatosis, varices and ulceration, is due to deficient function of the venous valves and/or obstruction of the deep veins with venous hypertension. The diagnosis may be established by investigation of the investigation of the muscular-venous pump by pletysmography or dynamic phlebography and invasive measurement of the venous pressure is not employed to any great extent. The results of valvuloplasty have, by and large, been negative. The main form of treatment is, therefore, conservative compressive bandaging which can reduce the symptoms, facilitate healing of venous ulcers and prevent recurrence of ulcers. It is emphasized, however, that this treatment must be continued consequently during the remainder of the patient's life, regardless of other treatment.