Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in bilateral lower-extremity amputee patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli and the value of an inferior vena cava filter in patients with bilateral lower-extremity amputations, and to determine the incidence of pulmonary emboli after filter placement.


METHODS
Retrospective study with a follow-up of 3 to 64 months.


METHODS
Inner-city university hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-seven consecutive patients with bilateral lower-limb amputation.


RESULTS
Age, sex, and race were assessed, and had no impact on the incidence of pulmonary embolus in these patients with lower-extremity amputation.


CONCLUSIONS
No clinical objective evidence of pulmonary emboli occurred after placement of an inferior vena caval filter.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology*