The Role of Venous Outflow and Venous Capacity in Predicting Postthrombotic Syndrome following Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis for Acute Iliofemoral Vein Thrombosis

Background

We aimed to evaluate the impact of hemodynamic parameters in predicting the development of postthrombotic syndrome following acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after pharmacomechanical thrombolysis.

Methods

A total of 59 patients with acute DVT undergoing pharmacomechanical thrombolysis were included in this retrospective case-control study and divided into 2 groups according to the development of postthrombotic syndrome; as postthrombotic syndrome group (n = 18) and nonpostthrombotic syndrome group (n = 41). The groups were compared in terms of basic demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as clinical and hemodynamic assessment scores, including venous capacity (Vc) and outflow measured using strain-gauge venous occlusion plethysmography.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of basic demographic and clinical characteristics. The groups were statistically similar in terms of preprocedural clinical and hemodynamic assessment scores. However, compared to nonpostthrombotic syndrome group, in postthrombotic syndrome group the mean values of venous outflow (Vo) were significantly lower whereas the mean values of Vc were significantly higher in postprocedural follows at 6 and 24 months.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated the critical role of Vo and Vc for predicting the development of postthrombotic syndrome in patients with acute iliofemoral vein thrombosis undergoing pharmacomechanical thrombolysis.