Iliocaval vein stenting: Long term survey of postthrombotic symptoms and working capacity

To evaluate the long term effect on lower extremity function and working capacity after stenting of iliocaval vein segments for acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or chronic venous occlusive disease. During a 14 year period from November 1994 to October 2008, 114 patients with median age 36 (interquartile range [IQR], 27–48) years, 72 (63%) women, 72 (63%) with hypercoagulable disorders, with acute DVT (n = 44, 39%), or chronic occlusions (n = 70, 61%) in the iliocaval vein segment were treated with venous stent placement after catheter-directed thrombolysis, angioplasty or recanalization. The long term impact on lower extremity function and working capacity was evaluated through retrospective evaluation of a prospectively registered database in combination with a questionnaire sent to all 108 surviving patients. The questionnaire was returned by 91/108(84%) patients, 37 (86%) with acute DVT, and 54(83%) with chronic venous occlusions. After a median follow-up of 6.2 (IQR 3.8–10.5) years, 38 (42%) patients were without anticoagulation therapy. Among patients with acute DVT 29 (78%) reported no lower extremity pain, 31 (84%) reported no ulcerations, and 26 (70%) were without lower extremity swelling, and 33(89%) without pelvic or genital pain. In summary, 22 (59%) were free from any symptomatic postthrombotic symptoms (PTS). Among patients with chronic occlusions, corresponding figures were 22 (41%), 45 (80%), 13 (24%), 39 (72%), and 7 (13%). Among patients treated for acute DVT 27 (73%) were working full- or part time, and 2 (5%) were above retirement age. Corresponding figures among patients treated for chronic venous occlusions were 31 (57%), and 10 (19%). Stenting of iliocaval vein segments with or without catheter-directed thrombolysis is a promising treatment of both acute thrombosis and chronic iliocaval vein occlusion that requires further study in comparison to non-interventional treatment concerning long time effects on postthrombotic symptoms and working capacity.