Interobserver reliability of compression ultrasound for residual thrombosis after first unprovoked deep vein thrombosis

Chronic inflammatory diseases increase the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Clinical management of patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is centered around their risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). While chronic inflammatory disease (CID) has been established as a risk factor of (recurrent) VTE, research about its potential impact on PTS is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the risk of PTS in patients with CID, stratifying for the use of anti-inflammatory treatment.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Consecutive patients with proximal DVT and no active cancer between 2003 and 2018 received a two-year prospective follow-up. CID included inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatic diseases, and gout. Residual venous obstruction (RVO) was assessed by compressive ultrasound after 3-6 months. PTS was diagnosed using the Villalta score after 6-24 months. Hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for patient characteristics. The medical ethics committee approved this study.

RESULTS

In total 82 of 801 patients had CID (10.2 %). PTS more often developed in patients with CID (35.4% vs. 18.9 %, p < 0.001) than in those without CID (HR 1.72 [1.15-2.58]). The prevalence of RVO was similar in patients with and without CID (36.8% vs. 41.4 %), and RVO was strongly associated with PTS in patients with CID (OR 3.21 [1.14-9.03]). Moreover, patients with untreated CID (44 %, n = 36) more often had RVO than those with treated CID (51.6% vs. 26.7 %, p = 0.027), and accordingly had a higher risk of PTS (HR 2.18 [1.04-4.58]).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CID had an increased risk of developing PTS, especially those without anti-inflammatory treatment, possibly due to an unfavorable impact on RVO-related venous pathology.

Daily point-of-care ultrasound-assessment of central venous catheter-related thrombosis in critically ill patients: a prospective multicenter study

PURPOSE

Central venous catheter (CVC)-related thrombosis (CRT) is a known complication in critically ill patients. However, its clinical significance remains unclear. The objective of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and evolution of CRT from CVC insertion to removal.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter study was conducted in 28 intensive care units (ICUs). Duplex ultrasound was performed daily from CVC insertion until at least 3 days after CVC removal or before patient discharge from the ICU to detect CRT and to follow its progression. CRT diameter and length were measured and diameter > 7 mm was considered extensive.

RESULTS

The study included 1262 patients. The incidence of CRT was 16.9% (95% confidence interval 14.8-18.9%). CRT was most commonly found in the internal jugular vein. The median time from CVC insertion to CRT onset was 4 (2-7) days, and 12% of CRTs occurred on the first day and 82% within 7 days of CVC insertion. CRT diameters > 5 mm and > 7 mm were found in 48% and 30% of thromboses. Over a 7-day follow-up, CRT diameter remained stable when the CVC was in place, whereas it gradually decreased after CVC removal. The ICU length of stay was longer in patients with CRT than in those without CRT, and the mortality was not different.

CONCLUSION

CRT is a frequent complication. It can occur as soon as the CVC is placed and mostly during the first week following catheterization. Half of the thromboses are small but one-third are extensive. They are often non-progressive and may be resolved after CVC removal.

Translational insights into mechanisms underlying residual venous obstruction and the role of factor XI, P-selectin and GPVI in recurrent venous thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

Residual venous obstruction (RVO) after deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is considered a risk factor of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), arterial events and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). We hypothesized thrombo-inflammatory markers might be associated with RVO and clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a DVT cohort with routine RVO-assessment and 5-year follow-up, patients were invited for blood withdrawal after stopping anticoagulants. Thrombin generation potential, coagulation enzyme:inhibitor complexes, soluble platelet markers and clinical markers were measured in platelet-poor plasma. Associations were represented as odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation.

RESULTS

Patients with RVO (102/306, 33 %) had higher rates of PTS (24 vs. 12 %, p = 0.008), but similar rates of recurrence (16 vs. 15 %, p = 0.91) and arterial events (7 vs. 4 %, p = 0.26). RVO was associated with thrombin peak height (OR 1.40 [1.04-1.88]), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP, OR 1.35 [1.02-1.79]), and CRP (OR 1.74 [1.10-2.75]). Recurrent VTE was associated with ETP (HR 1.36 [1.03-1.81]), FXIa:C₁-inhibitor (HR 1.34 [1.04-1.72]), thrombin:antithrombin (HR 1.36 [1.16-1.59]), soluble P-selectin (HR 2.30 [1.69-3.11]), soluble glycoprotein VI (sGPVI, HR 1.30 [1.01-1.69]), D-dimer (HR 1.56 [1.31-1.86]), and factor VIII (HR 1.44 [1.15-1.82]). Arterial events were associated with sGPVI (HR 1.80 [1.25-2.59]). PTS was not associated with any marker.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate RVO was associated with thrombo-inflammation, but this did not predict clinical outcomes in this setting. Importantly, we found recurrent VTE was associated with ongoing coagulation and platelet activation in patients well beyond the acute phase of DVT. Furthermore, sGPVI indicated an increased risk of arterial events, highlighting the role of platelets in arterial thrombosis following DVT.

Ultrasound elastography is useful to distinguish acute and chronic deep vein thrombosis

Essentials Ultrasound elastography uses tissue deformation to assess the relative quantification of its elasticity. Compression and duplex ultrasonography may be unable to correctly determine the thrombus age. Ultrasound elastography may be useful to distinguish between acute and chronic deep vein thrombosis. The exact determination of the thrombus age could have both therapeutic and prognostic implications. BACKGROUND: Background Ultrasound elastography (UE) imaging is a novel sonographic technique that is commonly employed for relative quantification of tissue elasticity. Its applicability to venous thromboembolic events has not yet been fully established; in particular, it is unclear whether this technique may be useful in determining the age of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the role of UE in distinguishing acute from chronic DVT. Methods Consecutive patients with a first unprovoked acute and chronic (3 months old) DVT of the lower limbs were analyzed. Patients with recurrent DVT or with a suspected recurrence were excluded. The mean elasticity index (EI) values of acute and chronic popliteal and femoral vein thrombosis were compared. The accuracy of the EI in distinguishing acute from chronic DVT was also assessed by measuring the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios. Results One-hundred and forty-nine patients (mean age 63.9 years, standard deviation 13.6; 73 males) with acute and chronic DVT were included. The mean EI of acute femoral DVT was higher than that of chronic femoral DVT (5.09 versus 2.46), and the mean EI of acute popliteal DVT was higher than that of chronic popliteal DVT (4.96 versus 2.48). An EI value of > 4 resulted in a sensitivity of 98.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 93.3-99.9), a specificity of 99.1% (95% CI 94.8-99.9), a positive predictive value of 91.1% (95% CI 77.9-97.1), a negative predictive value of 98.6% (95% CI 91.3-99.9), a positive likelihood ratio of 13.23 (95% CI 93-653) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.001 (95% CI 0.008-0.05) for acute DVT. Conclusions UE appears to be a promising technique for distinguishing between acute and chronic DVT. Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm our preliminary findings.

Reduced incidence of vein occlusion and postthrombotic syndrome after immediate compression for deep vein thrombosis

Thus far, the association between residual vein occlusion and immediate compression therapy and postthrombotic syndrome is undetermined. Therefore, we investigated whether compression therapy immediately after diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis affects the occurrence of residual vein obstruction (RVO), and whether the presence of RVO is associated with postthrombotic syndrome and recurrent venous thromboembolism. In a prespecified substudy within the IDEAL (individualized duration of elastic compression therapy against long-term duration of therapy for prevention of postthrombotic syndrome) deep vein thrombosis (DVT) study, 592 adult patients from 10 academic and nonacademic centers across The Netherlands, with objectively confirmed proximal DVT of the leg, received no compression or acute compression within 24 hours of diagnosis of DVT with either multilayer bandaging or compression hosiery (pressure, 35 mm Hg). Presence of RVO and recurrent venous thromboembolism was confirmed with compression ultrasonography and incidence of postthrombotic syndrome as a Villalta score of at least 5 at 6 and 24 months. The average time from diagnosis until assessment of RVO was 5.3 (standard deviation, 1.9) months. A significantly lower percentage of patients who did receive compression therapy immediately after DVT had RVO (46.3% vs 66.7%; odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.80; P = .005). Postthrombotic syndrome was less prevalent in patients without RVO (46.0% vs 54.0%; odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.92; P = .013). Recurrent venous thrombosis showed no significant association with RVO. Immediate compression should therefore be offered to all patients with acute DVT of the leg, irrespective of severity of complaints. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01429714) and the Dutch Trial registry in November 2010 (NTR2597).

Prognostic significance of residual venous obstruction in patients with treated unprovoked deep vein thrombosis

Residual venous obstruction (RVO) could improve the stratification of the risk of recurrence after unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but results from clinical studies and study-level meta-analyses are conflicting. It was the objective of this analysis to determine if RVO is a valid predictor of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with a first unprovoked DVT who had received at least three months of anticoagulant therapy. Individual patient data were obtained from the datasets of original studies, after a systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library), supplemented by manual reviewing of the reference lists and contacting content experts. A multivariate, shared-frailty Cox model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for recurrent VTE, including, as covariates: RVO; age; sex; anticoagulation duration before RVO assessment; and anticoagulation continuation after RVO assessment. A total of 2,527 patients from 10 prospective studies were included. RVO was found in 1,380 patients (55.1%) after a median of six months from a first unprovoked DVT. Recurrent VTE occurred in 399 patients (15.8%) during a median follow-up of 23.3 months. After multivariate Cox analysis, RVO was independently associated with recurrent VTE (HR = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.65). The association was stronger if RVO was detected early, i.e. at three months after DVT (HR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.11–4.25), but non-significant if detected later, i.e. >6 months (HR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.87–1.61). In conclusion, after a first unprovoked DVT, RVO is a weak overall predictor of recurrent VTE. The association is stronger if RVO is detected at an earlier time (3 months) after thrombosis.

Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis recurrence: Ultrasound criteria

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is often suspected in patients after anticoagulant drug withdrawal. The clinical signs can be confused with the onset of post-thrombotic syndrome. For these reasons, diagnosis of DVT recurrence must rely on an accurate method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to assess this challenging clinical issue, we performed an overview of the literature regarding ultrasound criteria for the diagnosis of recurrent DVT through a Medline search, which included articles published from January 1, 1980 to February 20, 2017.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight publications were found based on the defined keywords, of which nine articles with a relevant abstract were selected. By searching the reference lists of these nine articles, we obtained another 27 relevant articles. A new non-compressible vein or an increase in the diameter of a previously thrombosed vein segment by >4mm are sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of DVT recurrence. In contrast, an increase in diameter of <2mm enables recurrence to be ruled out. An increase between 2 and 4mm is deemed equivocal. Criteria based on echogenicity and Doppler venous blood flow are not reproducible. Other diagnostic imaging methods, mainly direct thrombus magnetic resonance imaging, are currently under evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound remains the most useful test for the diagnosis of recurrent DVT. Further imaging tests need to be validated.

Diagnosing of pelvic vein incompetence using minimally invasive ultrasound techniques

Background Pelvic vein incompetence is a cause for pelvic pain and recurrent varicose veins in women. The gold standard diagnostic method is reflux venography involving radiation, nephrotoxic contrast and jugular puncture. Trans-vaginal ultrasound (TVU) is increasingly being used as a diagnostic tool for pelvic vein incompetence. Methods Fifty women with clinical suspicion of pelvic vein incompetence and aged between 18 and 55 years were recruited prospectively over two years at a large UK University Teaching Hospital. Trans-vaginal ultrasound was performed using a standardised protocol which included assessment of the ovarian and internal iliac veins bilaterally in the supine and semi-standing position with provocative manoeuvres. Diagnostic readability and inter-observer variability was determined. Results Mean (range) age of 43 (23-51). Visibility of all four pelvic veins was better in the supine position compared with semi-standing position (76% vs 64%). Pelvic vein incompetence was identified in 34 of 50 (68%) women in the supine position compared with 38 of 50 (76%) women in the semi-standing position. Pelvic vein incompetence was demonstrated in 35 of 50 (70%) women with Valsalva manoeuvre. Inter-observer variability was 0.84 (kappa, very good agreement, p = 0.001). Conclusion Trans-vaginal ultrasound is effective at demonstrating pelvic vein incompetence. All trans-vaginal ultrasound protocols should include assessment of pelvic veins in the supine and semi-standing position with Valsalva manoeuvre.

Optimal Duration of Low Molecular Weight Heparin for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Deep Vein Thrombosis: The Cancer-DACUS Study

Purpose

We evaluated the role of residual vein thrombosis (RVT) to assess the optimal duration of anticoagulants in patients with cancer who have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs.

Patients and Methods

Patients with active cancer and a first episode of DVT treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for 6 months were eligible. Patients were managed according to RVT findings: those with RVT were randomly assigned to continue LMWH for an additional 6 months (group A1) or to discontinue it (group A2), and patients without RVT stopped LMWH (group B). The primary end point was recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) during the 1 year after disconinuation of LMWH, and the secondary end point was major bleeding. Analyses are from the time of random assignment.

Results

Between October 2005 and April 2010, 347 patients were enrolled. RVT was detected in 242 patients (69.7%); recurrence occurred in 22 of the 119 patients in group A1compared with 27 of 123 patients in group A2. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for group A2 versus A1 was 1.37 (95% CI, 0.7 to 2.5; P = .311). Three of the 105 patients in group B developed recurrent VTE; adjusted HR for group A1 versus B was 6.0 (95% CI, 1.7 to 21.2; P = .005). Three major bleeding events occurred in group A1, and two events each occurred in groups A2 and B. The HR for major bleeding in group A1 versus group A2 was 3.78 (95% CI, 0.77 to 18.58; P = .102). Overall, 42 patients (12.1%) died during follow-up as a result of cancer progression.

Conclusion

In patients with cancer with a first DVT, treated for 6 months with LMWH, absence of RVT identifies a population at low risk for recurrent thrombotic events. Continuation of LMWH in patients with RVT up to 1 year did not reduce recurrent VTE.

Diagnosis of recurrent deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a chronic disease with a continuing risk of recurrence. In a patient with recurrence long term prognosis and treatment are significantly altered both carrying their own risks not only in the acute phase but mainly in the long term perspective. Thus, accurate diagnosis of recurrence is of utmost importance for the fate of the patient. Diagnosis of a first DVT episode is well established and follows an algorithm including clinical prediction rules, D-Dimer testing and compression ultrasound. Due to the previous episode the efficiency of all three elements is impaired in a patient with suspected recurrence. This opens up areas of uncertainty which have to be filled by individual clinical judgement. Guidelines reflect this difficulty by providing mainly weak recommendations based on sparse data. The present review summarizes what is known about the performance of tools for DVT diagnosis, discusses recent guidelines, and finally gives personally weighed recommendations how to deal with this peculiar diagnostic situation. In conclusion, it will turn out that the well accepted diagnostic algorithm for a first DVT may be applied as well if the lower efficiency is regarded. Compression ultrasound largely benefits from a baseline assessment at the end of the previous episode. The order of tests may be discussed according to local and regional attitudes.