Relationship between Pulmonary Thromboembolism and Cancer in Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

Objectives: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) has a poor prognosis, and 90% of all PTE cases are caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The presence of cancer is one of the risk factors of DVT. This study aimed to evaluate the association between DVT, PTE, and presence of cancer. Methods: From January 2018 to December 2018, 668 patients who underwent ultrasound examination for DVT screening were enrolled. We evaluated the following associations: (1) thrombus location and PTE; (2) thrombus characteristics and PTE; (3) DVT and presence of cancer; and (4) DVT and molecular targeted agents. Results: The prevalence of PTE according to its location was significantly different; the presence of DVT in the iliac vein to the femoral vein was higher than in the lower limbs. The prevalence of PTE according to the characteristics of the thrombosis on the duplex ultrasound was also significantly different; that of acute and subacute DVT was higher than that of chronic DVT. In contrast, DVT and presence of cancer or molecular targeted agents were not significantly associated. Conclusion: Our data indicate that the location and characteristics of DVT on the duplex ultrasound may be helpful in predicting the occurrence of PTE.