Late sequelae of deep venous thrombosis. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations

The efficacy of heparin, sodium warfarin, and elastic stockings in preventing the late leg sequelae of deep venous thrombosis was evaluated by reexamining 15 patients with previous acute deep venous thrombosis so treated. All 5 patients with iliocommon femoral disease and only 5 of 10 patients with distal disease had evidence of postphlebitic syndrome. Venous Doppler and strain gauge plethysmography confirmed these clinical findings. The most striking and consistent laboratory abnormalities were in the patients with proximal disease. Treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis by traditional means does not prevent the clinical and laboratory late leg sequelae. In light of these findings, serious investigation of new therapeutic modalities is strongly suggested.