[Prospective study of the outcome of rheoplethysmographic parameters after deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities. Role in the decision to discontinue anticoagulants].

Forty-eight patients (25 M, 23 F) age range 25 to 83 years were admitted for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs confirmed by phlebocavography. Lesions were sural in 6 cases (Gr. 1), subcrural in 28 (Gr. 2) and supracrural in 13 (Gr. 3). Rheoplethysmography with venous occlusion (ORP) was performed and repeated every four months until (possible) recovery of normal emptying parameters (EI). Mean observation period was 25 +/- 8 months. In group 1, ORP indices were always restored to normal values within 4 months. In groups 2 and 3, normal values of IDV were observed in 23/38 patients within a median period of 10 months. Actuarial analysis of changes in EI values showed normalization in 65% of patients within 12 to 16 months with lack of significant differences between values for groups 2 and 3. Beyond this period of time any recovery of normal emptying indices is more aleatory, the residual obstructive syndrome appearing to be established definitely. Antivitamin K therapy (AVK) was instituted in 44 patients, and discontinuation was a function of normalization of EI. Good long-term results (clinical and ORP) were noted in 26/28 cases: one patient had recurrence of DVT with regional extension of thrombus and another a thrombosis on a Mobin-Uddin filter. Restoration of normal EI values during the 16 months following onset of DVT of lower limbs constitutes a valuable index for cessation of AVK therapy. After this period, recovery from the obstructive syndrome is more aleatory and decision to continue therapy must be based on other criteria.