Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 11, 2025

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

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

Published on: June 2, 2015

Association Between Thrombus Signal Intensity and Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With Proximal Deep Vein Thrombosis:

Xinyu Wang¹, Congrui Sun², Yuehong Liu¹

¹Department of Radiology (X.W., Y.L., Y.T., J.Z., Q.Y.), Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology

|August 14, 2025

Abstract

Background:

Approximately 50% of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurrences in the lower extremity proximal veins are associated with pulmonary embolism (PE). The progression of proximal DVT is critical in PE development, as reflected by thrombus composition. Magnetic resonance black-blood thrombus imaging can identify venous thrombus components by displaying thrombus signal intensity variations. This study investigated the association between thrombus signal intensity and PE in patients with proximal DVT.

Methods:

A total of 126 patients with proximal DVT were recruited, and all underwent magnetic resonance black-blood thrombus imaging examination. The patients were divided into 2 groups: DVT-only and DVT with PE. The whole thrombus signal intensity ratio, proximal thrombus signal intensity ratio, distal thrombus signal intensity ratio, and thrombus volume were assessed. Histological analysis was performed to characterize the thrombus content. Logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the relationship between thrombus signal intensity and PE.

Results:

Of the 126 eligible patients, 73 (58%) patients were in the DVT with PE group. Both proximal thrombus signal intensity ratio and whole thrombus signal intensity ratio were lower in the DVT with PE group compared with the DVT-only group (1.92±0.54 versus 1.31±0.42, P<0.001; 1.76±0.41 versus 1.62±0.36, P=0.034). The percentage of fibrin area (13.99±1.56% versus 7.51±1.25%, P=0.0087) and red blood cells area (49.65±18.8% versus 13.41±4.74%, P=0.0012) were higher in DVT with PE than DVT-only group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that proximal thrombus signal intensity ratio remained statistically significant (odds ratio, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.12-0.39]; P<0.001).

Conclusions:

The proximal thrombus signal intensity ratio of the thrombus was independently associated with acute PE in patients with proximal lower extremity DVT, suggesting that thrombus components may be important in PE occurrence. These findings could provide novel insights for understanding DVT evolution.

Keywords:

angiography lower extremity magnetic resonance imaging pulmonary embolism venous thrombosis

More Related Videos

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Published on: June 11, 2019

Deep Vein Thrombosis Induced by Stasis in Mice Monitored by High Frequency Ultrasonography

Deep Vein Thrombosis Induced by Stasis in Mice Monitored by High Frequency Ultrasonography

Published on: April 13, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

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...

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

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...

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Excess iodine induces lipid metabolic disorders by the gut microbiota SCFAs/H2S-p-AMPKα/PPARγ/SREBP-1c pathway in female rats.

Food & function·2026

Global source-sink dynamics of dengue viruses and epidemic establishment in areas on the fringe of endemic transmission.

National science review·2026

Quantitative Phase-resolved Functional Lung MRI Prediction of Disease Progression in Connective Tissue Disease-associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

Radiology·2026

3D Brachial Plexus Neurography With Variable-Rate Selective Excitation RF Pulses.

Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI·2026

Impaired pulmonary function associated with subclinical myocardial injury in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a preliminary cardiac magnetic resonance study.

Clinical rheumatology·2026

Effect of different durations of compression therapy on quality of life and recurrence after thermal ablation for varicose veins: a protocol for a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Frontiers in medicine·2026

See all related articles