Relationship between deep-vein thrombosis in the calf and fatal pulmonary embolism.
Deep-vein thrombosis of the lower limb is common, yet the importance of isolated calf deep-vein thrombosis is poorly understood and the treatment is controversial. This retrospective study documented that 13% of fatal pulmonary emboli originated only from calf deep-vein thrombosis. This rate is similar to that in another study (15%), suggesting that isolated calf deep-vein thromboses do produce fatal pulmonary emboli.
Giachino
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Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa General Hospital, Ont.
D006801:Humans; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000150:complications*