The Postthrombotic syndrome, where are we now?

Abstract

Post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent complication occurring in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT). This chronic condition is associated with a negative impact on quality of life and substantial economic costs. Despite current treatment with anticoagulants and compression therapy, a significant proportion of DVT patients develop PTS. Optimising the diagnosis and identification of high-risk patients is important to provide more appropriate individualised treatment. In addition, a better understanding of the pathogenesis is leading to the necessary improvement of both current treatment strategies and the development of new treatment modalities. Treatments aimed at prevention as well as those aimed at reducing the symptoms of already manifested PTS should be further investigated. Research is currently taking place on promising therapeutical targets including pharmacological (anti-inflammatory and venoactive drugs), and interventional approaches (e.g. mechanical thrombectomy) in patients at different stages of PTS. Progress in all these areas is needed to solve the complex problem of PTS.

Keywords: Postthrombotic syndrome; thrombus resolution; venous thrombosis.