Abstract:
Introduction
Varicose veins are the main risk factor for
the development of superficial vein
thrombosis (1). However, the role of
additional factors, which are typically
associated with venous
thromboembolism, is insufficiently
studied in patients with acute
varicothrombophlebitis (AVTPh).
Purpose
The aim of study was comparison of
demographic data and baseline
characteristics of varicose veins in two
cohorts of patients: with uncomplicated
varicose veins of the lower limbs and
those with AVTPh.
Material and methods
The study group included 190
consecutive patients with AVTPh,
prospectively enrolled over 4 years. The
diagnosis of AVTP was confirmed based
on duplex ultrasound. The control group
included 860 patients with varicose
veins, the data being extracted from a
prospective study previously conducted
in the clinic.
Results
Patients with AVTPh had significantly
higher: age - 60 (IQR 49-66) vs 50 (IQR
38-58) years; body mass index – 28,6 (IQR
25,4-31,3) vs 24,1 (IQR 22-32) and
Charlson comorbidity index - 2 (IQR 0-2)
vs 1 (IQR 0-1,8), p <0,0001. The
probability of AVTPh was significantly
higher after 60 years (OR 4,3 [3-5,9]) and
in those with obesity (OR 1,5 [1,1-2,1]).
No differences were found regarding
patient gender, laterality and duration of
varicose veins. In AVTPh group the
diameters of the sapheno-femoral and
sapheno-popliteal junctions were larger:
12 (IQR 10-13,7) vs 9,5 (IQR 8-11,3) mm
and 10 (IQR 9,2- 12) vs 8,5 (IQR 6,8-10)
mm, p <0,05.
Conclusions
Age, obesity and comorbidities have an
important role in development of AVTPh.
Risk factors of AVTPh are similar with
those of venous thromboembolism in
general. Pronounced dilation of
incompetent junctions can contribute to
severity of venous stasis and development
of thrombosis.
Description:
Department of General Surgery nr.3, Vascular Surgery Clinic, SUMPh Nicolae Testemitanu ”, Institute of Emergency Medicine
