The treatment of established iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis with streptokinase.

Sixteen patients (mainly Blacks) with iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis were treated with streptokinase and the results assessed by venography. Clear improvement in the venographic appearance was limited to 3 patients, but clinical improvement in the affected leg occurred in all patients. The thrombolytic effect of streptokinase cannot be assessed on clinical criteria alone. The purpose of this report is to draw attention to the poor clearing of main venous channels by streptokinase therapy.