Cor Vasa 2005, 46(6):231-234
The effect of prolonged anticoagulation therapy on the development of echogenic masses in patients with deep vein thrombosis
- Klinika kardiologie, Institut klinické a experimentální medicíny, Praha, Česká republika
Aim:
The aim of the study was to assess the difference in the regression of echogenic masses in patients with idiopathic deep vein thrombosis in a group of patients treated by anticoagulation therapy for 6 months compared with those treated for 12 months.
Patients and Methods:
A total of 52 patients (28 females and 24 males) with a mean age of 58 years and with idiopathic deep vein thrombosis were randomized, after six-month standard therapy (heparin, warfarin with an INR of 2-3), into a group of 25 patients with progressive therapy discontinuation and another group of 27 patients with therapy continued for another six months. The size of thrombotic masses was evaluated using duplex ultrasound, performed on the day of diagnosis, and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after diagnosis.
Results:
At randomization, the size of venous thrombosis in the popliteal vein region was 4.34 ± 2.42 mm and 4,75 ± 1,74 mm in the non-warfarin and warfarin groups, respectively.
At 9 months, thrombosis size was 3.25 ± 2.16 mm and 3.32 ± 1.78 mm in the non-warfarin and warfarin groups, respectively. The respective values at 12 months were 2.24 ± 1.95 mm, and 1.93 ± 1.34 mm. When assessing changes over a six-month period (i. e., the difference between thrombosis sizes at 6 and 12 months), we noted the decrease in the popliteal vein region was 2.10 ± 1.67 mm in the non-warfarin group while being 2.81 ± 1.56 mm in the warfarin group. The respective decreases seen in the common femoral vein region were 2.30 ± 1.34 mm and 3.95 ± 2.74 mm. The differences in the rate of regression of thrombotic masses in the popliteal vein and common femoral vein regions are significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Upon anticoagulation therapy discontinuation, patients with deep vein thrombosis showed, at 6 months, further remission of echogenic mass. The rates of echogenic mass remission over 6 to 12 months after deep vein thrombosis were higher in the warfarin group compared with the non-warfarin group. At 12 months, the warfarin group showed a lower rate of deep vein thrombosis recurrence.
Keywords: Deep vein thrombosis; Duration of anticoagulation therapy; Duplex ultrasound
Published: June 1, 2005 Show citation