Abstract
Background Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common and potential severe complication of deep
venous thrombosis (DVT). Elastic compression stocking therapy may prevent PTS if worn
on a daily basis, but stockings are cumbersome to apply and uncomfortable to wear.
Hence, identification of predictors of PTS may help physicians to select patients
at high risk of PTS.
Aims This article identifies ultrasonography (US) parameters assessed during or after
treatment of DVT of the leg, that predict PTS.
Methods This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Databases were searched for
prospective studies including consecutive patients with DVT who received standardized
treatment, had an US during follow-up assessing findings consistent with vascular
damage after DVT and had a follow-up period of at least 6 months for the occurrence
of PTS assessed by a standardized protocol.
Results The literature search revealed 1,156 studies of which 1,068 were irrelevant after
title and abstract screening by three independent reviewers. After full-text screening,
12 relevant studies were included, with a total of 2,684 analysed patients. Two US
parameters proved to be predictive of PTS: residual vein thrombosis, for a pooled
odds ratio (OR) of 2.17 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79–2.63) and venous reflux
at the popliteal level, for a pooled OR of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.03–1.75).
Conclusion The US features reflux and residual thrombosis measured at least 6 weeks after DVT
predict PTS. Whether these features may be used to identify patients who may benefit
from compression therapy remains to be assessed in further studies.
Keywords
venous thrombosis - post-thrombotic syndrome - ultrasonography - meta-analysis