Efecto de las estatinas en el desarrollo de síndrome postrombótico: estudio de cohorte / Effect of statins on development of post thrombotic syndrome: cohort study

Resumen Objetivo: Explorar la asociación entre consumo de estatinas (CE) y desarrollo de síndrome postrombótico (SPT). Método: Cohorte retrospectiva con pacientes con primer episodio de trombosis venosa profunda (TVP) entre el 06/2006 y el 12/2017, incluidos en el Registro Institucional de Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIET) del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Se consideró exposición al CE entre los 30 días previos y hasta 180 días posterior al diagnóstico de TVP. Se definió SPT según constaba este dato en la base de seguimiento del RIET. Se evaluó el desarrollo de SPT con un modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox, reportando hazard ratios (HR) crudas y ajustadas. Se consideró la confusión por indicación del CE y se utilizó un propensity score (PS) para el ajuste del riesgo estimado, reportando los HR con sus intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Se incluyeron 905 pacientes, de los cuales 273 fueron CE y 632 no consumidor de estatinas (NCE). Al seguimiento, la incidencia de SPT fue: 6.59% (18) en el grupo CE y 8.07% (51) en el grupo NCE, con p = 0.412. La razón de riesgo para el desarrollo de SPT de CE resultó no significativa (HR cruda: 0.78; IC 95%: 0.43-1.41; p = 0.414). La HR de CE ajustada por edad, sexo, antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, corticosteroides, inmovilidad, anticoagulante, hipertensión arterial, diabetes, dislipidemia, insuficiencia renal crónica, enfermedad coronaria, accidente cerebrovascular, insuficiencia cardiaca y enfermedad oncológica fue 0.45 (IC 95%: 0.13-1.5; p = 0.196). La HR del CE ajustado por edad, sexo, antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, corticosteroides, inmovilidad, tratamiento anticoagulante, enfermedad oncológica y PS fue de 0.52 (IC 95%: 0.17-1.66; p = 0.272). Conclusiones: El CE no se asoció con menor SPT, aunque hubo escaso número de eventos detectados.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the association between statin consumption and development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Methods: Retrospective cohort study which included patients with a first episode of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) between 06/2006 and 12/2017, included in the Institutional Registry of ThromboEmbolic Disease of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Exposure to statin use (SU) was considered between the 30 days before and up to 180 days after the diagnosis of DVT. PTS was defined as recorded dataset on registry. The development of PTS was evaluated with Cox proportional hazards model, raw and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were reported. Confusion was considered by indication of SU and a propensity score (PS) was used for adjustment. We reported HR with their 95% confidence interval (CI); p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of 1393 patients, 905 were included for the analysis, of which 273 were SU and 632 non-statin users (NSU). At follow-up, incidence of PTS was: 6.59% (18) in the SU group and 8.07% (51) in the NSU group, with p = 0.412. Crude HR for PTS for SU was not significant (0.78; 95% CI: 0.43-1.41; p = 0.414). Adjusted HR of SU by age, sex, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immobility, anticoagulant, high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic renal failure, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and cancer disease was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.13-1.5; p = 0.196) for PTS. While HR for the development of PTS adjusted by age, sex, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immobility, anticoagulant treatment, cancer disease and PS of the SU was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.17-1.66; p = 0.272). Conclusion: No statistically significant association was found between CE and the development of SPT, although there were a small number of events detected in both groups.

Incidence of thrombotic events and complications associated to inferior vena cava filters in patients with and without anticoagulation therapy / Incidencia de eventos trombóticos y complicaciones asociadas al uso de filtros de vena cava en pacientes en pacientes con o sin terapia anticoagulante

Abstract Objective: Anticoagulation is the primary management to prevent venous thromboembolism; inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) provide a mechanical prophylactic alternative when anticoagulation is contraindicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate in IVCF patients, whether the initiation of anticoagulation therapy is associated with decreased rates of recurrent thrombotic events and device-related complications. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients that underwent insertion of IVCF. Subjects with IVCF were studied in two groups: those initiated on anticoagulation (A) and without anticoagulation (NA). Variables as indications for IVCF, anticoagulation, recurrence of thrombosis, complications, and reinterventions were examined. Results: From April 2007 to March 2014, 54 patients underwent IVCF placement; (61% of females), with mean age of 54 years (standard deviation ± 19). 28 (52%) were initiated on anticoagulation, during a mean follow-up period of 28 months, five experienced recurrent thrombosis and three were on the A group (p=0.5); when comparing patients that developed post-thrombotic syndrome, seven were in the A group and seven in the NA. Two patients with IVC rupture were in the A group (p=0.5), and the only case of IVCF migration occurred in the A group. 11 (20%) patients died from comorbidities nonrelated to the device or procedure (four in the A cohort). Conclusions: Patients with IVCF on anticoagulation have equivalent rates of thrombotic events and device-related complications than those patients NA.

Resumen Objetivo: La anticoagulación es la terapia de elección para la prevención de tromboembolismo venoso; los filtros de vena cava inferior (FVCI) proveen una alternativa mecánica profiláctica cuando la anticoagulación está contraindicada. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si la terapia anticoagulante se asocia con una tasa menor de eventos trombóticos recurrentes y complicaciones relacionadas con el dispositivo. Métodos: Los pacientes fueron categorizados en dos grupos: Aquellos a los que se les inicio anticoagulación (A) y aquellos que no (NA). Variables tales como indicación de la colocación del filtro, anticoagulación, recurrencia de trombosis y complicaciones fueron examinadas. Resultados: De abril de 2007 a marzo 2014, a 54 pacientes se les coloco un filtro (61% fueron mujeres), con una media de edad de 54 años [Desviación estándar (DE) ±19. Veintiocho (52%) fueron iniciados en anticoagulación y durante un seguimiento de 28 meses, 5 pacientes experimentaron recurrencia de trombosis, 3 en el grupo A (p=0.5). Al comparar los pacientes que desarrollaron síndrome posflebítico, 7 pertenecieron al grupo A y 7 al grupo NA. Dos pacientes con ruptura de vena cava pertenecieron al grupo A (p=0.5) y el único caso de migración del dispositivo ocurrió en el grupo A. Once (20%) pacientes fallecieron debido a comorbilidades no relacionadas con el dispositivo o el procedimiento. Conclusión: Pacientes con FVCI en anticoagulación tienen tasas de eventos trombóticos y complicaciones asociadas a los dispositivos equivalentes a aquellos pacientes sin anticoagulación.

Left Common Femoral to Right Common Iliac Venous Bypass Through a Retroperitoneal Exposure

The endovascular recanalization of the iliocaval system has replaced venous surgical reconstructions as the primary treatment option in severe post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). We herein present a 51-year-old female with previous deep venous thrombosis, complicated with PTS with a large and complex circumferential calf ulcer measuring 25 cm of length in the left lower extremity. Venogram revealed a complete and extensive occlusion in the left iliofemoral system. A surgical bypass from the left common femoral vein to the right common iliac vein was performed. Patient recovered well and after 12 months postoperation her large wound is healing favorably with a clean and well granulated bed. Iliofemoral venous bypass is a feasible treatment for non-healing ulcer of lower extremity.

Two divergent paths: compression vs. non-compression in deep venous thrombosis and post thrombotic syndrome / Uso da terapia compressiva ou não compressiva na trombose venosa profunda e síndrome pós-trombótica: dois caminhos divergentes

Abstract Use of compression therapy to reduce the incidence of postthrombotic syndrome among patients with deep venous thrombosis is a controversial subject and there is no consensus on use of elastic versus inelastic compression, or on the levels and duration of compression. Inelastic devices with a higher static stiffness index, combine relatively small and comfortable pressure at rest with pressure while standing strong enough to restore the "valve mechanism" generated by plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the foot. Since the static stiffness index is dependent on the rigidity of the compression system and the muscle strength within the bandaged area, improvement of muscle mass with muscle-strengthening programs and endurance training should be encouraged. Therefore, in the acute phase of deep venous thrombosis events, anticoagulation combined with inelastic compression therapy can reduce the extension of the thrombus. Notwithstanding, prospective studies evaluating the effectiveness of inelastic therapy in deep venous thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome are needed.

Resumo O uso da terapia de compressão para reduzir a incidência de síndrome pós-trombótica em pacientes com trombose venosa profunda apresenta controvérsias como o uso da compressão elástica versus inelástica, os níveis e a duração da compressão. Dispositivos inelásticos com índice de rigidez estática combinam uma pressão pequena e confortável em repouso com uma pressão forte o suficiente para restaurar o "mecanismo de válvula" gerado pela flexão plantar e dorsiflexão do pé. Uma vez que o índice de rigidez estática depende da rigidez do sistema de compressão e da força muscular dentro da área enfaixada, a melhoria da massa muscular com programas de fortalecimento e treinamento de resistência deve ser incentivada. Na fase aguda dos eventos de trombose venosa profunda, a anticoagulação acompanhada de terapia de compressão inelástica pode reduzir a extensão do trombo. Assim, são necessários estudos que avaliem a eficácia da terapia inelástica na trombose venosa profunda e na síndrome pós-trombótica.

AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy for the treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To discuss the efficacy and complications of using AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy in treating acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Methods The clinical data of 22 patients with acute lower extremity DVT,who were treated with AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy during the period from February 2015 to August 2016,were retrospectively analyzed.The improvement of clinical symptoms and the thrombus clearance rate were calculated to evaluate the curative effect.The procedure-related complications were documented.Results The clinical symptoms were relieved immediately after operation in all 22 patients.The thigh circumference difference between the affected side and the healthy side decreased from preoperative (4.5±0.6) cm to postoperative (1.0±0.4) cm,the difference in change was statistically significant (P＜0.05).The mean used dose of urokinase was (0.18±0.03) million unit and the average duration of thrombolysis was (4.2±0.7) hours.Complete removal of DVT (＞90％) was achieved in 19 patients,most removal of DVT (50％-90％) in 2 patients,and partial removal of DVT (＜50％) in one patient.After treatment,6 patients developed transient hemoglobinuria,which was relieved after hydration with fluid infusion on the same day.No serious complications such as pulmonary embolism or hemorrhage occurred.Conclusion For the treatment of acute lower extremity DVT,AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy is safe and effective with less complications.

The Role of Pharmacomechanical Endovascular Intervention for Iliofemoral Vein Thrombosis Compared to Conventional Anticoagulation Therapy

Although anticoagulation therapy is the primary treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it has not been associated with the rapid recanalization of the venous occlusion. Moreover, it is associated with long-term disability due to post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). In contrast, pharmacomechanical endovascular intervention (PMI) results in more rapid clinical improvement in DVT patients, but there are few reports on its long-term outcomes. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of PMI compared to conventional anticoagulation therapy (ACA) for acute and subacute iliofemoral DVT. We reviewed the medical records of 102 patients with iliofemoral DVT. A total of 46 patients for ACA and 56 patients for PMI were enrolled. We analyzed the clinical differences between the PMI and ACA groups by comparing the clinical signs, residual DVT free-rate, and PTS-free rate. There were no statistically significant differences in the demographic characteristics and risk factors except age between the groups (age: ACA, 52.0 ± 18.0 years; PMI, 59.0 ± 17.0 years; P = 0.035). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year residual DVT-free rate (ACA = 84.7%, 71.6%, and 46.0%; PMI = 82.1%, 76.8%, and 76.8%, respectively; P = 0.235) was not significantly different. However, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year PTS-free rate was significantly different (ACA = 93.5%, 74.0%, and 55.7%; PMI = 92.9%, 90.0%, and 90.0%, respectively; P = 0.019). There was no significant difference in the rate of other complications. PMI showed a lower incidence of PTS during the follow-up period. Therefore, PMI should be considered as an effective therapeutic modality for patients with iliofemoral DVT.

Evolución clínica y ultrasonográfica del síndrome postrombótico en su primer año de evolución / Clinical and ultrasonographic progression of posthrombotic syndrome in its first year

Introduccións: La insuficiencia venosa crónica es característica principal del síndrome postrombótico donde el estasis venoso es típico. Objetivos: Describir la evolución clínica y ultrasonográfica del síndrome postrombótico durante su primer año. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en 20 hombres (55,6 por ciento) y 16 mujeres (44,4 por ciento) con una edad promedio de 55,8 ± 14,2 años (IC95 por ciento : 41,6 ­ 70 años), ingresados en el Servicio de Flebolinfología del Instituto Nacional de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular con el diagnóstico de trombosis venosa profunda de los miembros inferiores. Las variables estudiadas fueron: tipos de síntomas clínicos, tipo de evolución ultrasonográfica por ecodoppler, estadios clínicos del síndrome postrombótico, tiempo y porcentaje de recanalización. Resultadoss: A los seis meses de evolución predominó la sintomatología severa (47,2 por ciento); en el sector fémoro­poplíteo la clasificación de buena. Al año, fue más frecuente la clasificación de moderada (52,8 por ciento) y de muy buena en el sector poplíteo; el edema pretibial fue el signo que predominó. En los sectores ocluidos fémoro-poplíteo el porcentaje de recanalización promedio aumentó al año y fue superior (p < 0,05) al obtenido a los seis meses. Se encontró asociación significativa entre el porcentaje de recanalización y el período de evolución (X2= 41,41; p= 0,0000); y entre el estadio clínico y el porcentaje de recanalización (X2= 32,95; p= 0,0000). Conclusións: durante el primer año de presentarse el síndrome postrombótico pueden ocurrir cambios clínicos y evolución favorable en la recanalización del sistema venoso profundo(AU)

Introduction: Chronic venous insufficiency is the main characteristic of the posthrombotic syndrome where the vein stasis is typical. Objective: to describe the clinical and ultrasonographic progression of the post-thrombotic syndrome in its first year. Methods: A descriptive prospective study was conducted in 20 men (55.6 percent) and 16 women (44.4 percent), with average age of 55.8 ± 14.2 years (IC95 percent : 41.6 ­ 70 years) diagnosed as deep venous thrombosis of the lower limb patients and hospitalized in the phlebolymphology service of the National Institute of Angiology and Vascular Surgery. The studied variables were types of clinical symptoms, type of ultrasonographic progression using Echodoppler device, clinical stagings of the posthrombotic syndrome, and time and percentage of re-canalization. Results: After six months of progression, severe symptoms predominated (47.2 percent); and in the femoral-popliteal area the classification was good. After a year, the moderate classification was more frequent (52.8 percent) and extremely good in the popliteal sector; the pretibial edema was the predominant sign (50 percent). In the occluded popliteal-femoral sector, the percentage of average re-canalization increased after a year, being higher (p< 0.05) than that of six months. A significant association was found between the percentage of re-channeling and the period of progression (X2= 41.41; p= 0.0000); and between the clinical staging and the percentage of re-canalization (X2= 32.95, p= 0.0000). Conclusions: During the first year of existence of the posthrombotic syndrome, clinical changes and favorable progression may occur in the re-canalization of the deep venous system(AU)

Síndrome de May-Thurner como diagnóstico diferencial en trombosis a repetición / May-Thurner syndrome as a differential diagnosis in recurrent thrombosis

El síndrome de May-Thurner es una anomalía anatómica que genera insuficiencia venosa y episodios trombóticos recurrentes de los miembros inferiores. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 29 años, con cuadro de trombosis venosas profundas en miembros inferiores a repetición desde los 20 años, sin factores de riesgo identificados, en quien se realizan estudios de extensión para neoplasia y trombofilia con resultados negativos, además de estudios para patología reumatológica con anticuerpos antinucleares (ANAS) positivo a títulos bajos como único hallazgo, con lo que se hace diagnóstico de enfermedad del tejido conectivo no diferenciado y se instaura manejo con anticoagulación plena; sin embargo, ante la persistencia de eventos trombóticos se realiza angio-TAC, la cual reporta obstrucción de la vena ilíaca izquierda, por lo cual se realiza una venografía más cavografía documentándose obstrucción de la vena ilíaca externa izquierda y la común estableciéndose el diagnóstico de síndrome de May-Thurner, el cual debe considerarse dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales de los episodios trombóticos recurrentes.(Acta Med Colomb 2016; 41: 67-70).

The May-Thurner syndrome is an anatomic abnormality generating venous insufficiency and recurrent thrombotic episodes of lower limbs. The case of a 29 years old patient with clinical picture of recurrent deep venous thrombosis in lower limbs since the age of 20 years is presented. No risk factors were identified; extension studies for neoplasia and thrombophilia were performed with negative results, as well as studies for rheumatic disease with positive anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) at low titers as unique finding, being diagnosed as undifferentiated connective tissue disease and management with full anticoagulation is established. However, at the persistence of thrombotic events, an angio-CT which reports obstruction of the left iliac vein and the common vein is performed whereby a venography and cavography are done establishing the diagnosis of May Thurner syndrome, which should be considered within the differential diagnosis of recurrent thrombotic events. (Acta Med Colomb 2016; 41: 67-70).

The clinical forensic identification of deep vein thrombosis / 中国法医学杂志

Deep vein thrombosis is the common complication of trafifc injury , it is one of the dififculties of forensic identiifcation to identify disability grade and the relationship between injury and disease. When post-thrombotic syndrome happens, circulatory system and leg will be dysfunction, caused by the destruction of valve and venous wall and by the blockage of thrombus. The quality of life and working ability will be seriously affected. The impact of different types of deep vein thrombosis on human body was analysised after looking up relevant literatures, then it was discussed that the identiifcation of following questions including: the relationship between injury and disease, how to identify disability grade and it’s best time.

Midterm rusults of endovascular treatment for ilio-femoral venous postthrombotic syndrome / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To evaluate clinical outcome of patients treated with endovascular dilation and stent placement for ilio-femoral venous postthrombotic syndrome (PTS).Methods 42 PTS cases were enrolled in our group from June 2003 to December 2011.Dilation and stent placement in stenosis/ occlusion of ilio-femoral veins were performed in all cases,temporary femoral arteriovenous fistula was established in 24 cases.Results These were not severe perioperative complications.All patients were followed up for 8-75 months.Preoperative limb ulcers in 5 cases were healed.Early thrombosis in stents found in 3 cases was cleared by catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT).Severe in-stent restenosis (＞ 50％)was found in 10 cases,treated with dialation or re-stenting.Primary patency,assisted primary patency and secondary patency rates were 75％,78％,80.1％;64.1％,67.1％,69.6％;63.8％,65.3％,66％;61.7％,65％,65.2％,respectively,at 6 months,12 months,24 months and 36 months.Postoperative Venous Clinical Severrity Score (VCSS) decreased (P =0.000).There was statistical significant improvement in every dimension evaluated by the MOS item short from health survey(SF-36) after operation (P =0.000).Conclusion Ilio-femoral venous stenting is a safe and effective treatment for PTS and with good clinical midterm results.

Long-Term Results of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Combined with Iliac Vein Stenting for Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis

PURPOSE: We were going to access the effect of catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy (CDT) on post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and the long term effects of iliac vein stenting in acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six limbs in fifty-one patients (46 unilateral, 5 bilateral) were included from November 2001 through December 2007. Patients were classified based on the method of treatment: with stent implantation (n=37) and without stent implantation (n=19). The Villalta scale was chosen to assess for severity of PTS. The validated outcome measures were compared between the treatment groups. Statistical analysis was estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier test and Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS: Mean age was 57+/-13 years (range, 27-76 years). Mean follow up duration was 56+/-12 months (range, 24-144 months). Overall 5-year primary patency rate was 66.1% (77.8% in the stenting group and 42.1% in the non-stenting group) and showed statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.02). The recurrence rate of deep vein thrombosis was 10/37 (27.1%) in the stenting group and 11/19 (57.9%) in the non-stenting group, respectively, which showed statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.024). Overall incidence of mild PTS was 8/30 (26.7%): 4/13 (30.8%) in the stenting group and 4/17 (23.5%) in the non-stenting group. None of the other factors showed statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Long term results of CDT in IFDVT were acceptable, and stent implantation to the iliac segment seems to have a good effect on the long term results. Therefore CDT with simultaneous stenting is recommended to improve long term results of IFDVT, if indicated.

Compression stockings to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome after giant surgery in department of orthopaedics: A Meta analysis / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To systematically evaluate the effects of compression stockings for preventing post-thrombotic syndrome after giant surgery in department of orthopaedics.Methods Randomized controlled trials about compression stockings were searched and analyzed no matter written in Chinese or English.The effects of compression stockings is determined by Meta-analysis with Review Manager 5.0.Results 4 papers were included in this research,among which,one was domestic,and another three were abroad.Heterogeneity was small when the data was merged,which suggested that compression stocking for preventing post-thrombotic syndrome was effective.Conclusions Compression stockings can be safely used to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome after giant surgery in department of orthopaedics.

Tratamento endovascular das obstruções venosas crônicas do segmento iliocaval / Endovascular treatment of chronic obstructions of the iliocaval segment

A insuficiência venosa crônica é um grave problema de saúde pública no mundo, consumindo grandes quantias de recursos e causando grande prejuízo na qualidade de vida dos pacientes portadores de suas formas mais avançadas. A cirurgia para o tratamento de obstruções no sistema venoso profundo não foi incorporada à prática da maioria dos cirurgiões vasculares, ficando restrita a poucos centros em alguns países. Com o advento da cirurgia endovascular, a possibilidade de tratar alguns tipos de lesões obstrutivas por uma técnica minimamente invasiva e com resultados promissores renova o interesse da comunidade vascular pelas formas mais complexas de doença venosa.

Chronic venous insufficiency is an important public health issue worldwide, that consumes significant amounts of resources and impairs the quality of life of patients who suffer from its more severe clinical types. Surgery for the treatment of deep venous system obstruction has not been incorporated to the practice of most vascular surgeons, being restricted to a few medical centers in some countries. With the advent of endovascular surgical techniques, the possibility of treating some obstructive lesions with a minimally invasive technique that has promising results has renewed the interest of the vascular community for the treatment of more complex forms of vascular disease.

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis with a Continuous Infusion of Low-Dose Urokinase for Non-Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis of the Lower Extremity

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to evaluate the feasibility of catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase for treating non-acute (less than 14 days) deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 110 patients who were treated by catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis was analysed. Adjunctive angioplasty or/and stenting was performed for the residual stenosis. Venous recanalization was graded by pre- and post-treatment venography. Follow-up was performed by clinical evaluation and Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: A total of 112 limbs with deep venous thrombosis with a mean symptom duration of 22.7 days (range: 15-38 days) were treated with a urokinase infusion (mean: 3.5 million IU) for a mean of 196 hours. After thrombolysis, stent placement was performed in 25 iliac vein lesions and percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) alone was done in five iliac veins. Clinically significant recanalization was achieved in 81% (90 of 112) of the treated limbs; complete recanalization was achieved in 28% (31 of 112) and partial recanalization was achieved in 53% (59 of 112). Minor bleeding occurred in 14 (13%) patients, but none of the patients suffered from major bleeding or symptomatic pulmonary embolism. During follow-up (mean: 15.2 months, range: 3-24 months), the veins were patent in 74 (67%) limbs. Thirty seven limbs (32%) showed progression of the stenosis with luminal narrowing more than 50%, including three with rethrombosis, while one revealed an asymptomatic iliac vein occlusion; 25 limbs (22%) developed mild post-thrombotic syndrome, and none had severe post-thrombotic syndrome. Valvular reflux occurred in 24 (21%) limbs. CONCLUSION: Catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase combined with adjunctive iliac vein stenting is safe and effective for removal of the clot burden and for restoration of the venous flow in patients with non-acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.