Anticoagulation vs. Surveillance for Calf DVT

A real-world study suggests benefits of anticoagulation over ultrasound surveillance alone for deep venous thrombosis of the distal lower extremity.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the calf (also called distal lower-extremity DVT) represents approximately half of all diagnosed DVTs in the U.S.; guidelines recommend serial imaging for low-risk patients (NEJM JW Emerg Med Feb 2016 and Chest 2016; 149:315). In this retrospective cohort study, Mayo Clinic investigators reviewed 483 consecutive patients with ultrasound-confirmed calf DVT; median follow-up was about 8 months.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence was defined as propagation of the original calf-vein thrombus, development of new DVT, or new pulmonary embolism. Compared with patients who were managed using serial ultrasound imaging alone (17% of the cohort), patients who received anticoagulation (83% of the cohort) had signific…

Reviewing Author

Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc, MHM, FACP

Disclosures

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill; Elsevier

Editorial BoardsMedical Clinics of North America; Caribbean Medical Journal International Advisory Panel (2021–2026)

Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc, MHM, FACP

Disclosures

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill; Elsevier

Editorial BoardsMedical Clinics of North America; Caribbean Medical Journal International Advisory Panel (2021–2026)

Anticoagulation vs. Surveillance for Calf DVT

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Reviewing Author