title: Endovascular management of venous thrombotic and occlusive diseases of the lower extremities.
abstract: Acute complications of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities include pulmonary embolism and venous ischemia. Delayed complications include a spectrum of debilitating symptoms referred to as postthrombotic syndrome (PST). Anticoagulation therapy is recognized as the mainstay of therapy in acute DVT. However, there are few data to suggest any major beneficial effect on PTS, which is thought to be mediated by valve damage and/or occlusive chronic thrombus and venous scarring. Endovascular catheter-directed thrombolysis techniques with pharmacologic thrombolytic agents, used alone or in combination with mechanical thrombectomy devices, have been proven highly effective in clearing acute DVT, which may allow the preservation of venous valve function and prevention of subsequent venous occlusive disease. Definitive management of underlying anatomic occlusive abnormalities can also be undertaken.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1077, USA. mel-sharafuddin@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: Melhem J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Sharafuddin
authors.forename: Shiliang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Jamal J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Hoballah
authors.forename: Fadi M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Youness
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Sharp
authors.forename: Byung-Suk
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Roh
mesh_terms: D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*