Loading...
Thrombi often arise in the superficial veins of the leg. Those forming near the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) are treated by saphenous vein ligation, thrombectomy, or anticoagulation. But whether superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) distal to the SFJ requires more than analgesics and local measures has been controversial.
To examine the frequency of thrombus extension, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with SVT who do not receive anticoagulants, investigators analyzed data from the industry-sponsored, placebo-controlled CALISTO trial (N Engl J Med 2010; 363:1222). In that study, 3002 patients were randomized to receive placebo or the synthetic low-molecular-weight heparin fondaparinux (2.5 mg subcutaneously per…