Calf muscle venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
Guias, B.; Simoni, G.; Oger, E.; Lemire, A.; Leroyer, C.; Mottier, D.; Nonent, M.; Bressollette, L.
Journal des Maladies Vasculaires 24(2): 132-134
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0398-0499 PMID: 10399646 Document Number: 504918
The clinical significance of calf muscle venous thrombosis (CMVT) still remains a matter of debate. Detected by ultrasonography, they are overlooked by venography. This prompted us to evaluate the frequency of such localizations and their association to pulmonary embolism (PE). Retrospective review of our database over a three-year period. All patients with an isolated CMVT were included. Isolated CMVT were detected in 106 patients (mean age 68.6 years; 65% women), that is 12.5% of all venous thromboses diagnosed in the vascular sonography unit over the study period Sixteen associated PE were detected (15%). Association of CMVT and PE is not infrequent. Whether or not such thromboses have the potential to extend into deep veins and/or to migrate into pulmonary circulation requires further studies.