Clinical Presentation, Management, and Outcomes of Deep Vein Thrombosis Based on Doppler Ultrasonography Examination

Abstract

We studied the frequency, clinical presentation, and outcomes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Serial Doppler ultrasonography was performed between 2008 and 2013 for 6420 patients with suspected DVT. Diagnosis was confirmed in 662 (10.3%) participants (mean age: 50 ± 17 years; 51% females). Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and malignancy were reported in 47%, 28%, and 16%, respectively. Abnormal protein C, protein S, factor V Leiden, or antithrombin III were found in 9%, 7%, 3.8%, and 4%, respectively. Left, right, and both legs were involved in 55%, 37%, and 8%, respectively. Common femoral, popliteal, and posterior tibial veins were affected in 48.5%, 72%, and 71%, respectively. Postthrombotic syndrome, pulmonary embolism, and death were reported in 50%, 12.2%, and 15% of cases, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis showed that gender had no impact on mortality during follow-up; however, age (>50 years) was associated with greater risk of death (hazard ratio: 6.54; 95% confidence interval: 3.2-13.3). These findings will improve our understanding of the various risk factors and help develop institutional guidelines for the management of patients with DVT.