Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
06:45

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

Published on: February 10, 2023

16.6K

Asymptomatic Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis　- Clinical Characteristics, Management Strategies, and Long-Term

Yugo Yamashita1, Hiroki Shiomi1, Takeshi Morimoto2

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University.

Circulation Journal : Official Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society
|June 30, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The prognosis for asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is unclear. While anticoagulants increase bleeding risk, they may benefit patients with active cancer by reducing recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The prognosis and optimal management of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remain uncertain, lacking established guidelines for detection and treatment.
  • Asymptomatic DVT affects patient outcomes, necessitating further research into its long-term implications and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with asymptomatic lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • To assess the efficacy and safety of prolonged anticoagulant therapy in this patient cohort, particularly in subgroups with active cancer.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 300 patients with asymptomatic lower extremity DVT diagnosed via ultrasound between January 2010 and September 2015.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, cancer status, DVT characteristics (unprovoked/distal), treatment duration, and outcomes such as symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), major bleeding, and all-cause mortality.

Main Results:

  • The 5-year cumulative incidence of symptomatic recurrent VTE was 14.5%, major bleeding was 16.6%, and all-cause death was 34.1%.
  • Prolonged anticoagulant therapy, used in 77% of patients, was associated with a significantly higher risk of major bleeding (20.5% vs. 1.5%) but did not significantly affect VTE incidence.
  • In patients with active cancer, anticoagulant therapy showed a significant benefit in reducing the risk of VTE (HR, 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05-0.95).

Conclusions:

  • Prolonged anticoagulant therapy in asymptomatic DVT patients increases major bleeding risk, with discontinuation common within a year.
  • Subgroup analysis suggests a potential benefit of prolonged anticoagulation in patients with active cancer, reducing the rate of symptomatic recurrent VTE.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnticoagulantBleedingDeep vein thrombosisVenous thromboembolism

More Related Videos

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis10:26

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

18.0K
Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane08:05

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

Published on: December 9, 2022

5.1K

Related Concept Videos

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...
423
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...
399
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,...
320
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...
258
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
541
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
473