Influence of Timing of Stenting on Condition of Venous Valves of Lower Extremities, Frequency and Severity of Development of Post-Thrombotic Disease

INTRODUCTION: Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities (LE) is a life-threatening condition, accompanied by high rates of disability among people of working age. Despite early detection of DVT and the use of recommended antithrombotic therapy, damage to the venous wall, development of valvular reflux and post-thrombotic disease (PTD) inevitably occur. The clinical picture of PTD becomes evident after the development of valve incompetence, which leads to vertical venous reflux and chronic venous hypertension. Timely elimination of venous obstruction can preserve the functionality of valve structures, which will subsequently help reduce the frequency and severity of PTD.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of the timing of stenting on the condition of the venous valves, the frequency and severity of the development of PTD in patients with acute DVT of LE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective interventional study included 49 patients with acute iliofemoral thrombosis. After selective thrombolysis, 25 patients underwent early (within 7 days) and 24 patients underwent delayed (7–30 days) stenting. The incidence and severity of PTD was assessed on the Villalta scale at 3, 6 and 12 months. The effect of treatment on the condition of the venous valves of the LE was assessed at 12 months. On ultrasound examination, reflux was assessed using a scoring system.

RESULTS: At 12 months, 2 (8%), 13 (52%), and 10 (40%) patients who underwent delayed stenting, developed severe, moderate, or mild PTD, respectively. In the early stenting group, 6 (25%) patients had no symptoms of PTD, 15 (62.5%) and 3 (12.5%) developed mild and moderate PTD, respectively (p = 0.0005). At 12 months, in the early stenting group, the absence of reflux was recorded in 6 (25%) patients, 4 (17%) patients had valve reflux in the femoral segment, and 14 (58%) in the popliteal segment. In the delayed stenting group, valvular incompetence of both segments was detected in 12 (48%) patients; in 4 (16%) and 9 (36%) patients, the valves of the femoral and popliteal veins were preserved; there were no patients without reflux in both segments. Treatment results for this indicator were better if early stenting was performed (p = 0.0005).

CONCLUSION: Early stenting after selective thrombolysis in patients with proximal DVT of LE leads to a decrease in the incidence and severity of symptoms of PTD, and can reduce the incidence of reflux in the deep veins.