Clinical Investigation of Post-thrombotic Syndrome: A Report of Questionnaire

Abstract

We investigated factors related to the onset, seriousness and clinical manifestations of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) by questionnaire to the institutions of a member of Japanese Society of Phlebology. Reports were provided from 40 institutions. The PTS patient of 121 cases during two years was reported. As for the clinical symptom (there is repetition), swelling was recognized most for 86 cases (after the DVT onset, about 3 years later). Venous ulceration was noted in 25 cases (7 years after DVT). Varicose vein was noted in 37 cases (4.6 years after DVT), pigmentation in 46 cases (4.6 years later), and tiredness / pain in 59 cases (2.5 years later). As for the diagnostic procedure, ultrasonography was used in 69 cases and air-plethysmography (APG) was used in 36 cases. Physical examination was applied to 42 cases, and simple Doppler to 38 cases. In addition, for functional evaluation of venous valve, ultrasonography (56 cases) was used most. Clinical manifestation of PTS became severe if a period after the DVT onset is long. It was suggested that time lag of a treatment at the time of the DVT onset, and the management in the chronic stage(long-term wearing of elastic stockings) contributed to the onset and seriousness of PTS.