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Diagnostic scales for the post-thrombotic syndrome
Hilde Skuterud Wik1, Tone R Enden2, Waleed Ghanima3
1Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, B.O.X. 4950, Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.
Thrombosis Research
|November 12, 2017
Summary
Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), a common complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), lacks an objective diagnostic test. This review examines seven existing diagnostic scales for PTS to assess their clinical utility and identify an optimal tool.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent long-term complication following deep vein thrombosis (DVT), affecting up to 70% of patients.
- Current PTS diagnosis relies on clinical symptoms and signs, as no objective diagnostic test is available.
- Existing diagnostic scales are primarily developed for research and vary in reliability, ease of use, and ability to assess severity and changes over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and present the seven identified diagnostic scales for post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in adults.
- To evaluate the utility of these scales in clinical studies.
- To identify characteristics of an optimal diagnostic test for PTS.
Main Methods:
- Literature search to identify diagnostic scales for PTS.
- Review of seven scales: Widmer classification, CEAP classification, VCSS, Brandjes scale, Ginsberg measure, Villalta scale, and Patient-reported Villalta scale.
- Analysis of the application and utility of these scales in clinical research.
Main Results:
- Seven distinct diagnostic scales for PTS were identified and reviewed.
- The reviewed scales include Widmer, CEAP, VCSS, Brandjes, Ginsberg, Villalta, and Patient-reported Villalta.
- The utility of these scales in clinical studies varies, highlighting the need for an optimal diagnostic tool.
Conclusions:
- No single objective diagnostic test currently exists for post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).
- Several scales have been developed, but their clinical utility requires further evaluation.
- An ideal PTS diagnostic test should be reliable, sensitive, specific, and capable of grading severity and tracking changes.
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