Thrombosis of the muscular calf veins--reference to a syndrome which receives little attention

Abstract

Background: Thrombosis of the soleal and gastrocnemial veins seldom receive very much attention. It is thought that they are frequently the starting point for deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity.

Patients and methods: 125 patients with clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis of the leg were examined by means of duplex sonography and phlebography. The ultrasound examination was performed on the lower limb in the form of a compression sonography.

Results: From 137 legs examined, a total of 82 cases of deep vein thrombosis were diagnosed. Sonographically and/or phlebographically, the soleal and/or gastrocnemial veins were found to be involved in 65 cases of thrombosis, i.e. 79% of all thrombosis. 25% of all cases of deep vein thrombosis of the leg were isolated muscular vein thrombosis. Pain in the calf while walking, similar to muscular soreness after exertion, was typical of the isolated muscular vein thrombosis. The muscular veins were involved in all the deep vein thrombosis of the leg of the 3- and 4-layer type. Diagnosis of soleal and gastrocnemial vein thrombosis is quite possible by means of sonography and phlebography. The sensitivity and specificity of the compression sonography were 88% and 95% respectively, compared to the phlebography.

Conclusion: In patients suffering from pain in the calf, the soleal and gastrocnemial veins should be carefully included in the sonographic or phlebographic assessment. Due to the risk of deep vein thrombosis, isolated muscular vein thrombosis should receive treatment appropriate for a deep vein thrombosis of the calf, and its development be checked.