Inherited and acquired thrombophilic alterations in patients with superficial vein thrombosis of lower limbs

Superficial Venous Thrombosis: A Comprehensive Review

Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT), an inflammatory-thrombotic process of a superficial vein, is a relatively common event that may have several different underlying causes. This phenomenon has been generally considered benign, and its prevalence has been historically underestimated; the estimated incidence ranges from about 0.3 to 1.5 event per 1000 person-years, while the prevalence is approximately 3 to 11%, with different reports depending on the population studied. However, such pathology is not free of complications; indeed, it could extend to the deep circulation and embolize to pulmonary circulation. For this reason, an ultrasound examination is recommended to evaluate the extension of SVT and to exclude the involvement of deep circulation. Also, SVT may be costly, especially in the case of recurrence. Therefore, accurate management is necessary to prevent sequelae and costs related to the disease. This review aims to analyse the epidemiology of SVT, its complications, optimal medical treatment, and open questions with future perspectives.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with multiple simultaneous superficial vein thrombi

BACKGROUND

Although unprovoked superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) has traditionally been considered a local, benign disorder, recent studies demonstrate that patients with SVT are at significant risk for deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and other venous thromboembolism (VTE) events. Nevertheless, clinical management remains widely inconsistent. Moreover, patients with multiple, unprovoked SVTs of noncommunicating anatomic sites have not been previously described, and they may be at even increased risk for adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with multiple, unprovoked SVTs to elucidate whether this subset of patients possesses a higher risk of thrombophilia, cancer, recurrent VTE, or death compared with patients with unprovoked SVT at a single location.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with multiple, unprovoked SVTs were enrolled. Blood tests and computed tomography scans were performed to detect thrombophilia and malignant disease. Patients were followed up with duplex ultrasound and clinical examination for at least 3 months. The prevalence of recurrent VTE and clinical outcomes were compared with a control group of 39 patients with unprovoked SVT in a single vein.

RESULTS

Cancer was detected in five patients (20.8%) and thrombophilia in 10 patients (41.7%). During the follow-up period, nine patients (37.5%) exhibited recurrent VTEs, and five patients (16.2%) died. The VTE recurrence rate was significantly greater than in controls (P = .03). Patients with a coexisting thrombophilia or cancer had elevated thrombotic load (4.08 vs 2.27 separate vein segments; P = .0096) and an increase in VTE recurrence (P = .038) compared with patients without any such findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study warrant further investigation into this subset of patients through a larger multicenter design, as patients with multiple SVTs are at greater risk for thrombophilia, cancer, recurrent VTE events, and death compared with patients with isolated SVT.

Controversies in venous thromboembolism: to treat or not to treat superficial vein thrombosis

The management of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) is poorly defined and remains controversial overall. SVT has long been considered a benign, self-limited disease, but recent studies show that SVT carries a nonnegligible risk for recurrence, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. Current guidelines recommend the use of low-molecular-weight heparin or fondaparinux, but results of several surveys indicate that the majority of patients with SVT receive nonanticoagulant therapy only, which includes compression stockings or bandages, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical application of heparin gel, or surgical interventions. However, several recent observational and interventional studies provide better insight into the optimal treatment of patients with SVT who are at different risks for thromboembolic complications. This educational review summarizes the available evidence and aims to provide practical guidance based on a clinical decision pathway.

Superficial vein thrombosis in non-varicose veins of the lower limbs and thrombophilia

Objectives

Superficial vein thrombosis in non-varicose veins of the lower limbs is rather frequent and may be underestimated. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of inherited or acquired thrombophilia in a sample of outpatients with the disease.

Method

An observational study was conducted on 73 consecutive superficial vein thrombosis patients tested for inherited or acquired thrombophilia.

Results

Sixty of 73 patients with superficial vein thrombosis completed the testing protocol, while 13 dropped out; 46 of 60 patients were found to have a thrombophilia (76.6%). The types detected were: factor V Leiden (31/60, i.e. 51.6%), prothrombin mutation (2/60, i.e. 3.3%), MTHFR mutation (23/60, i.e. 38.3%), antiphospholipid antibodies (5/60, i.e. 8.3%), protein C deficit (1/60, i.e. 1.6%), protein S deficit (1/60, i.e. 1.6%), and antithrombin deficit (0/60, i.e. 0%).

Conclusions

Among patients with superficial vein thrombosis in non-varicose veins, testing demonstrated a high prevalence of thrombophilia. The most common form proved to be factor V Leiden. As thrombophilia was found to be a major cause of superficial vein thrombosis in non-varicose veins, the authors recommend that patients with superficial vein thrombosis in non-varicose veins be investigated for thrombophilia.

Management of superficial vein thrombosis

Superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) is less well studied than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), because it has been considered to be a minor, self-limiting disease that is easily diagnosed on clinical grounds and that requires only symptomatic relief. The most frequently involved sites of the superficial vein system are the lower limbs, especially the saphenous veins, mostly in relation to varicosities. Lower-limb SVT shares the same risk factors as DVT; it can propagate into the deep veins, and have a complicated course with pulmonary embolism. Clinical diagnosis may not be accurate, and ultrasonography is currently indicated for both confirmation and evaluation of SVT extension. Treatment aims are symptom relief and prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in relation to the thrombotic burden. SVT of the long saphenous vein within 3 cm of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) is considered to be equivalent to a DVT, and thus deserving of therapeutic anticoagulation. Less severe forms of lower-limb SVT not involving the SFJ have been included in randomized clinical trials of surgery, compression hosiery, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, unfractionated heparin, and low molecular weight heparins, with inconclusive results. The largest randomized clinical trial available, on 3004 patients with lower-limb SVT not involving the SFJ, showed that fondaparinux 2.5 mg once daily for 6 weeks is more effective than placebo in reducing the risk of the composite of death from any cause and symptomatic VTE (0.9% versus 5.9%). Further studies are needed to define the optimal management strategies for SVT of the lower limbs and other sites, such as the upper limbs.