Rapid thrombolysis and preservation of valvular venous function in high deep vein thrombosis. A comparative study between streptokinase and heparin therapy.

The results of streptokinase and heparin treatment are compared in a 4-year prospective study with special reference to preservation of high valvular venous function. An objective assessment was based upon phlebographic examinations before, during and 1-2 months after therapy. Complete lysis was demonstrated in 44% of high thromboses treated with streptokinase and in 6% treated with heparin. Retrograde phlebography revealed normal function of the proximal femoral valves in 92% of streptokinase-treated high thromboses, compared with 13% of those treated with heparin. These phlebographic results were considered to be a valid prognostic indicator of the eventual development of the postthrombotic syndrome. Allergic reactions were seen in 39% and minor haemorrhagic complications in 18% of the streptokinase-treated cases. The therapeutic benefit of streptokinase therapy in this study was found to outweigh any disadvantages incurred by observed complications.

Noninvasive diagnosis of acute deep vein thrombosis. A comparison between thermography, plethysmography and phlebography.

Fifty-five patients with clinical signs of acute DVT were investigated with thermography, plethysmography and phlebography. A comparison between phlebography and thermography showed a diagnostic agreement of 84%. Thermography was found, however, to have a low reliability for the localization of acute thrombi and was therefore combined with plethysmography in an attempt to obtain better results in this respect. Compared to the invasive phlebography, the noninvasive combination of thermography and plethysmography adequately located acute DVT in 95% of the cases.