Does Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Prevent Postthrombotic Syndrome?

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to identify risk factors of postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) and evaluate the efficacy of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for preventing the development of PTS in patients with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2005 January to 2013 December, 139 limbs of 126 patients were included in this study who had the first episode of proximal DVT at the affected limb and who had visited our out-patient clinic. CDT was performed on 55 limbs (39.6%). We achieved complete recanalization in 39 limbs (70.9%) and partial recanalization (residual thrombus 0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest that CDT is not effective in preventing PTS, while higher BMI and longer thrombotic burden are associated with the development of PTS in patients with DVT.