Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane
08:05

Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane

Published on: December 9, 2022

Evolution of untreated calf deep-vein thrombosis in high risk symptomatic outpatients: the blind, prospective CALTHRO

Gualtiero Palareti1, Benilde Cosmi, Gianfranco Lessiani

  • 1Department of Angiology and Blood Coagulation Marino Golinelli, University Hospital S Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy. gualtiero.palareti@unibo.it

Thrombosis and Haemostasis
|August 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The study found that untreated isolated calf deep-vein thrombosis (ICDVT) may lead to a higher rate of venous thromboembolism complications. Further research is needed to confirm the clinical significance of ICDVT in high-risk patients.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Clinical Outcomes Research

Background:

  • The clinical significance and management of isolated calf deep-vein thrombosis (ICDVT) remain uncertain.
  • Debate exists regarding the necessity of diagnosing and treating calf DVT due to its natural history.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the complication rate of untreated isolated calf deep-vein thrombosis (ICDVT).
  • To assess the risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with ICDVT.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of symptomatic outpatients using serial compression ultrasonography (SCUS).
  • Complete calf deep vein examination (CCUS) performed for patients with likely pre-test clinical probability or altered D-dimer, with results blinded.
  • Primary outcome measured was the rate of venous thromboembolism at three months.

Main Results:

  • Five outcomes (1.2%) were recorded in 431 subjects. ICDVT was diagnosed in 15.3% of patients.
  • A significantly higher rate of outcomes was observed in subjects with ICDVT (7.8%) compared to those without (0.8%).
  • After excluding early events, the difference in outcomes between groups became marginally significant (4.7% vs. 0.8%).

Conclusions:

  • Untreated isolated calf deep-vein thrombosis may be associated with a relevant risk of thrombotic evolution, particularly in high-risk individuals.
  • The findings suggest that ICDVT warrants further investigation to clarify its clinical impact and optimal management strategies.
  • Larger studies are required to definitively address the natural history and management of ICDVT.

More Related Videos

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis06:45

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis

Published on: February 10, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:26

Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Varicose veins, or varicosities, develop when the valves in the veins, which control blood flow, weaken or damage. It causes blood to pool and the veins to enlarge. Understanding the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management options for varicose veins is crucial for effective treatment and relief.Clinical manifestationsClinical manifestations of varicose veins include a heavy, achy feeling or pain after prolonged standing or sitting. This discomfort can often be relieved by...
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
Veins of Lower Limbs01:15

Veins of Lower Limbs

The human body consists of an intricate network of veins responsible for the crucial task of blood drainage from the lower limbs. These veins can be categorized into two main types: deep veins and superficial veins.
Formed by the union of the medial and lateral plantar veins, the posterior tibial vein, rising through the calf muscle, assimilates the fibular vein. The anterior tibial vein, a superior extension of the foot's dorsalis pedis vein, merges with the posterior tibial vein at the knee,...