Post Thrombotic Syndrome
What is Post Thrombotic Syndrome?
The post thrombotic syndrome is the most important late complication of acute Deep Vein Thrombosis, and it is responsible for a greater degree of chronic socioeconomic morbidity. Five years after Iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) treated conservatively with anticoagulation, 90% of patients suffer symptoms of chronic venous disease. Following Deep vein thrombosis in lower limbs, Only approximately 20% of Iliac veins will completely recanalize with anticoagulation treatment. The remaining veins will recanalize only partially and develop varying degrees of obstruction and collateral formation in both Common Iliac and External Iliac vein segments.
What are the Symptoms in a Patient With Post Thrombotic Syndrome?
As many as 29% to 79% of patients with Acute Deep vein thrombosis , may have some degree of long-term manifestations, such as pain, edema, heaviness, or hyperpigmentation. Debilitating “venous claudication” is found in 15% to 44% of patients, and venous ulcer has developed in 15% of limbs within five years after DVT. Venous claudication is a dramatic condition described as an exercise-induced “bursting” pain, which requires several minutes of rest and sometimes leg elevation for relief to be achieved.
Post thrombotic syndrome ( PTS) is the most important late complication of Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis. After Iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) treated conservatively with anticoagulation, 90% of patients suffer symptoms of chronic venous disease such as pain, edema, heaviness, or hyperpigmentation. Debilitating “venous claudication” is found in 15% to 44% of patients, and Venous ulcer has developed in 15% of limbs within 5 years after DVT. Venous claudication is a dramatic condition described as an exercise-induced “bursting” pain, which requires several minutes of rest and sometimes leg elevation for relief to be achieved.
Early treatment within four weeks after Acute DVT includes Endo Vascular treatment options to remove blood clots such as Intrathrombus Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis and Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy also known as Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis.
Late presentations of patients with Post thrombotic syndrome with Chronic symptoms in lower limbs like Pain, edema, non healing venous Ulcers are treated with Iliocaval Balloon Venoplasty and Stent Placement. Following stenting patients are managed medically by Vascular Surgeon with regular follow-up.
