Phlebographic Appearance of Lower-Extremity Deep-Vein Thrombosis: Special Reference to Extent, Distribution and Age of Thrombosis

Abstract

952 phlebographies of the lower extremity were performed in the symptomatic patients reviewed. 368 revealed deep-vein thromboses which were classified according to extent, distribution and age. Limited thrombosis (clot < 3 cm) occurred in 13 cases (3.5%). Acute venous thrombosis of the calf only without involvement of the popliteal segment occurred in 96 cases (26%). Extension of the thrombus above the inguinal ligament was seen in 12 cases (3.3%). In 159 cases, it was impossible to firmly diagnose the condition as acute since there was no visible clot but only signs of earlier thrombosis. When these signs coincide with missing venous segments, care must be taken to identify patients without acute thrombosis in order to avoid unnecessary anticoagulant, thrombolytic or surgical therapy.