Propagation, rethrombosis and new thrombus formation after acute deep venous thrombosis

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, timing, and outcome of further thrombotic events after an initial episode of acute deep venous thrombosis.

Venous thrombi in 204 lower extremities (177 patients) were monitored with duplex ultrasonography at intervals of 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, every 3 months for 1 year, and yearly thereafter.

Among initially involved extremities, propagation to new segments occurred in 61 (30%) and rethrombosis occurred in 63 (31%). Both propagation and rethrombosis, in different segments, occurred in 27 (13%) extremities. New thrombi were also noted in nine (6%) initially uninvolved extremities. These events were not associated with identifiable clinical risk factors, although extremities with rethrombosis were more extensively involved at presentation. Propagation in initially involved extremities was an early event, occurring within a median of 40 days in all segments. New thrombotic events in initially uninvolved extremities and rethrombosis occurred as later events. The development of reflux was significantly more common among all initially uninvolved segments to which thrombus extended and among mid and distal superficial femoral and popliteal artery segments with rethrombosis.

Recurrent thrombotic events are common after acute deep venous thrombosis and adversely affect the ultimate development of valvular incompetence. Their occurrence is unrelated to recognized clinical risk factors and can occur despite standard anticoagulation measures.