Association between Laterality and Location of Deep Vein Thrombosis of Lower Extremity and Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the anatomical location of thrombi in the lower extremities and the development of pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and Methods: We collected and analyzed the data of patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities between 2006 and 2015, and included those whose computed tomography (CT) data were available for PE identification. We evaluated the relationship between the laterality and the proximal/distal location of the thrombi in lower extremites and the location of PE. Results: CT images were available for 388/452 patients with DVT. After excluding 32 cases with bilateral involvement, 356 cases were included for analysis in this study. The ratio of DVT in the left:right leg was 232:124. PEs developed in 121 (52.2%) patients with left-sided DVT and in 78 (62.9%) with right-sided DVT (P=0.052). PEs in the main pulmonary arteries developed in 36 (15.5%) patients with left leg DVT and in 30 (24.2%) with right leg DVT (P=0.045). The most frequent site of thrombosis associated with the development of PE was the left iliac vein (59/199, 29.6%). According to the anatomical segment of the leg affected by DVT, patients with DVT in the right femoral vein (50/71, 70.4%; P=0.016) had the highest rate of occurrence of PE. Conclusion: PE develops more frequently in patients with right-sided DVT than in those with left-sided DVT. Therefore, careful observation for the possible development of PE is recommended in cases with right-sided DVT of the lower extremity.

Is the May-Thurner Syndrome a Major Risk Factor for Deep Vein Thrombosis in Total Hip Arthroplasty?

“… 16) On the laterality of DVT, the prevalence of left-side DVT is higher than right-side DVT. 17) Moreover, MTS may cause left-side DVT by left common iliac vein compression due to the overriding right common iliac artery. 9) After an orthopedic operation, most of the DVT occurs in the ipsilateral lower extremity, but rarely in the contralateral lower extremity.…”

Diagnostic value of D-dimer for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis caused by rib fracture: a retrospective study

“…Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a prevalent complication following traumatic injuries, and its progression can result in life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary embolism (PE) and lower limb dysfunction [ 1 , 2 ]. Chest trauma ranks as the second leading cause of mortality after head injuries, accounting for approximately 20% of all trauma-related deaths [ 3 ].…”