Role of Thrombolytic Therapy in the Management of Acute Iliofemoral Deep Venous Thrombosis

Abstract

DVT is a common condition that affects approximately one in 1, 000 persons per year. Significant complications associated with DVTs include PE which cause 10% of inpatient deaths, phlegmasia caerula dolens (PCD) leading to limb –threatening venous gangrene and sever morbidity secondary to chronic venous hypertension. Post thrombotic syndrome, a debilitating condition that reduces health-related quality of life, occurs more frequently in patients following recurrent DVT. Ilio-femoral DVT is associated with a higher risk of recurrence than infrainguinal DVT, Each episode of recurrence increases the severity of the PTS. In addition to its more proximal location, a significantly greater thrombus burden. Accurate diagnosis of DVT is important. So clinical decisions made on the basis of physical findings, with-out corroboration by objective testing, are potentially dangerous.Current noninvasive diagnostic technology has been of increasing interest and importance during past decade. For instance, duplex ultrasonography has almost completely replaced contrast venography as the diagnostic test of choice for detection of DVT.