Long-Term Sequelae of Spontaneous Axillary–Subclavian Venous Thrombosis

  1. Emmanuel Héron, MD;
  2. Olivier Lozinguez, MD;
  3. Joseph Emmerich, MD, PhD;
  4. Claude Laurian, MD; and
  5. Jean-Noël Fiessinger, MD
  1. From Hôpital Broussais and Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Paris, France.

    Abstract

    Background: The frequency and severity of post-thrombotic sequelae after spontaneous axillary–subclavian venous thrombosis remain poorly known.

    Objective: To determine the late sequelae of conventionally treated spontaneous axillary–subclavian venous thrombosis.

    Design: Cross-sectional study.

    Setting: University department of vascular medicine.

    Patients: 54 patients seen during an 18-year period (mean follow-up, 5 years).

    Measurements: Scores for the severity of post-thrombotic symptoms were graded on a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 10 and on a 6-point verbal rating scale. Ultrasonographic sequelae were classified as grade 0, normal flow; grade 1, moderate obstruction; or grade 2, severe obstruction or occlusion.

    Results: Verbal scores were “nil/negligible” in 47% of patients and “severe/intolerable” in 13%; numerical scores were 0 to 3 in 78% of patients and 7 to 10 in 9%. Grade 2 ultrasonographic sequelae were found in 22% of cases. No relation was seen between ultrasonographic sequelae and symptom severity scores.

    Conclusion: The overall clinical outcome of spontaneous axillary–subclavian venous thrombosis is good, and there is no relation between the severity of late symptoms and ultrasonographic sequelae.

    Article and Author Information

    • Acknowledgment: The authors thank Professor Gilles Chatellier (Service d'Informatique Médicale, Hôpital Broussais) for help with the statistical analyses.

    • Requests for Reprints: Jean-Noël Fiessinger, MD, Service de Médecine Vasculaire, Hôpital Broussais, 96 rue Didot, 75674 Paris Cedex 14, France.

    • Current Author Addresses: Drs. Héron, Lozinguez, Emmerich, and Fiessinger: Service de Médecine Vasculaire and Centre Claude Bernard de Recherche sur les Maladies Vasculaires Périphériques, Hôpital Broussais, 96 rue Didot, 75674 Paris Cedex 14, France.

    • Dr. Laurian: Service de Chirurgie Vasculaire, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75674 Paris Cedex 14, France.

    Summary for Patients

    • Summaries for Patients:Long-Term Symptoms after Spontaneous Clots in Upper Arm Veins Ann Intern Med October 5, 1999 131:510
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    1. Ann Intern Med October 5, 1999 vol. 131 no. 7 510-513
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