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Updated: Feb 13, 2026
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Deep vein thrombosis and properties of the arterial wall
Luka Jeraj1, Ana Spirkoska2, Mateja Kaja Ježovnik3
11 Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Insights
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is linked to poorer arterial wall function, but not post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) development. This study confirms DVT
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
- Thrombosis Studies
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects over 1 in 1,000 individuals annually, with 50% developing post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).
- Existing research suggests DVT impairs arterial wall function, but its specific association with PTS remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between DVT and arterial wall function.
- To determine if arterial wall function is associated with the development of PTS in DVT patients.
Main Methods:
- 120 DVT patients and 40 controls underwent assessment for PTS using the Villalta scale.
- Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD), reactive hyperemia index (RHI), and augmentation index (AI) were measured.
- Arterial diameter and stiffness were evaluated using peripheral arterial tonometry.
Main Results:
- DVT patients exhibited significantly lower FMD and NMD, indicating impaired endothelial function.
- Increased brachial artery diameter and higher AI were observed in DVT patients, suggesting increased arterial stiffness.
- No significant differences in arterial function parameters were found between PTS-positive and PTS-negative patients.
Conclusions:
- DVT is associated with deteriorated functional properties of the arterial wall, including endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness.
- Despite DVT's impact on arterial health, this study found no association between arterial wall function and the incidence of PTS.
Background:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects more than one out of 1,000 people every year, of which 50 % develop post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Studies indicated that patients with DVT have deteriorated arterial wall function, while less is known about the association with PTS. We therefore investigated this relationship further.
Patients And Methods:
A total of 120 patients treated for DVT of the lower extremity and a control group of 40 subjects without DVT were included. We assessed the presence of PTS using the Villalta scale. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD) were calculated and reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) and augmentation index (AI) were obtained.
Results:
Patients with a history of DVT had lower FMD (4.0 % vs. 8.0 %, p < 0.001), lower NMD (12 % vs. 19 %, p = 0.001), and increased diameter of brachial artery (4.8 mm vs. 4.4 mm, p = 0.017). Peripheral arterial tonometry showed higher AI in patients with DVT (22.0 vs. 6.0, p = 0.004), while there was no difference in RHI. No differences in values between PTS-positive and PTS-negative patients were found.
Conclusions:
We confirmed the association between DVT and deteriorated functional properties of the arterial wall. Endothelial dysfunction of the large arteries, increased arterial stiffness, and increased diameter of the brachial artery were found in patients with DVT. However, there was no association between functional capability of the arterial wall and the incidence of PTS in DVT patients.
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