Late hemodynamic sequelae of deep venous thrombosis

Twenty-nine limbs in 19 patients who had deep venous thrombosis documented by phlebography were studied by hemodynamic techniques 2 to 13 years later (mean, 7 years). Two limbs were found to be "normal." Nine limbs were hemodynamically obstructed; the remaining 18 limbs had developed reflux abnormality. All of the nine limbs with obstruction demonstrated symptoms of severe swelling or ulceration. In contrast, limbs with valve reflux were either asymptomatic or had only mild to moderately severe symptoms. Correspondingly, the reflux hemodynamic derangement was also mild, with reflux confined to a single level (commonly the popliteal valve). The implications of the differences in clinical presentation and hemodynamic profile between this group with post-thrombotic valve reflux and the typical patient with stasis caused by chronic venous insufficiency are explored. The natural history of stasis sequelae of deep venous thrombosis has apparently changed somewhat since the introduction of anticoagulation therapy.