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Updated: Mar 28, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
[Diagnostics and treatment of calf vein thrombosis]
Jeroen K de Vries1, Pieter Willem Kamphuisen, Karina Meijer
1Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Groningen.
Abstract:
Calf vein thrombosis is a much-debated entity. The literature shows that progression to deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurs infrequently and is usually detected using serial two-point ultrasonography. Additionally, undetected and untreated calf vein thrombosis is not associated with serious adverse events in large management trials studying diagnostic strategies for suspected deep venous thrombosis. Recurrent venous thromboembolism can occur after calf vein thrombosis, but anticoagulant treatment does not reduce the incidence. In this article, three case histories describe the anatomical considerations for proper diagnosis of calf vein thrombosis, some aspects of the natural course, and the treatment that these patients received. A case is made for restrictive use of prolonged anticoagulation therapy as a means to reduce thromboembolic complications. Because symptomatic treatment has not been studied, expert opinion suggests a short (3-week) course of therapeutically-dosed low-molecular-weight heparin.
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Veins of Lower Limbs
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...

