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ZusammenfassungKatheterassoziierte Venenveränderungen weisen bezüglich ihres klinischen Bildes und ihres klinischen Verlaufs eine hohe Variabilität auf. Unterschieden werden kann zwischen einem perivenösen Hämatom, einer Periphlebitis, Endophlebitis, Phlebothrombose oder septischen Thrombophlebitis. Die Diagnosestellung einer Venenerkrankung erfolgt durch eine klinische Untersuchung (Anstaubarkeit der Vene, Schwellungen, Schmerzhaftigkeit, vermehrte Wärme und eventuelle Exsudation im Bereich der Einstichstelle) sowie eine sonographische Darstellung der Vene (perivenöses Gewebe, Venenwand, Veneninhalt). Die Behandlung der Venenerkrankung richtet sich nach ihrer Ätio logie und Pathogenese und kann aus einer antikoagulatorischen (Heparin, Phenprocoumon), einer entzündungs- und schmerzhemmenden (nichtsteroidale Antiphlogistika) sowie bei Bedarf einer antibiotischen Therapie bestehen. Zur Prophylaxe von Venenerkrankungen ist ein gutes Kathetermanagement besonders wichtig. Hierzu gehören die richtige Auswahl des Kathetersystems (Langzeitkatheter aus Polyurethan), die Katheterpflege und die intensive Überwachung. Der Übersichtsartikel erläutert praxisnah die einzelnen Venenerkrankungen, ihre Diagnose und die therapeutischen Maßnahmen.

Fibrinolytic therapy for DVT has not gained universal acceptance. A notable percentage of DVTs in Germany are treated by clot-dissolving methods. This is in contrast to clinical practice in the United States where fibrinolytic treatment for DVT is virtually unknown. It is unique in modern medicine that such a frequent disease is treated so differently on a national basis. The PHLEFI Study is a multicenter, prospective trial on the fate of 1498 patients receiving different forms of fibrinolytic therapy for DVT (ultrahigh streptokinase and urokinase short-term therapy, streptokinase, urokinase, and rt-PA long-term infusions, locoregional and sequential therapies). Interest focused primarily on side-effects such as cerebral bleeding and fatal pulmonary embolism as well as on the clinical outcome in terms of revascularization. The major factor for the rate of cerebral bleeding under fibrinolytic therapy was the age of the patient (0.355% bleeding in patients under and 2.03% in patients over 50 years). The major factor for pulmonary embolism was the site of the thrombosis (2.16% with iliac, 0.701% with femoral, none with popliteal, calf and subclavian vein thromboses). Use of a temporary caval filter during lysis therapy eliminated fatal pulmonary embolism. Results of lytic therapy were stated as complete, partial, and no clearance. The outcome was dependent on the thrombus age and the medication used. The highest clearance rate achieved was 50% in patients treated with short-term ultrahigh streptokinase therapy and a history of up to three days. Fibrinolytic therapy for DVT is a reliable means of achieving revascularization. The above data may enable the physician to balance the usefulness of this therapeutic method against the risk of its side effects.

In the last six years the authors have implanted 340 hip joint prostheses of the Zweymuller/Endler or Zweymuller type in 285 patients from the lateral transgluteal approach. Approximately one-third of these patients (111) had previously undergone surgery on the hip joint in question. Intraoperative complications included four cases of elongation of the leg due to implantation of an over-long prosthesis shaft. Four of the shafts implanted were too small and in two cases subsequently loosened. In two patients a divulsion of the trochanter major occurred and there were two cases of cracking of the calcar femoris with involvement of the trochanter minor. There were also two cases of shaft divulsion at the level of the prosthesis tip. Postoperative complications included periarticular ossifications in 41 cases. There were 11 cases of phlebothrombosis and six of pneumonia. Superficial hematomas developed in the wound region in four cases. In addition, there were two cases of shaft and one of acetabular loosening, as well as three prosthesis dislocations. Between October and December 1987, a total of 232 of these patients were examined and the results rated according to Merl d'Aubigne's classification: 166 (71%) were classified as very good or good, 49 (21%) as satisfactory, and 17 (7%) as unsatisfactory. The most common postoperative complication was periarticular ossification, seen in 41 cases. Even though this is not a serious complication and the periarticular ossifications did not necessarily result in severe limitation of movement, a major functional loss as compared to the preoperative findings was seen in the patients with severe ossification (IIIrd degree) at the examination 12 months postoperatively. By giving EHDP, since November 1984, it has proved possible to reduce the incidence of periarticular ossifications from 28 to 12%. In the last 24 months even better results have been achieved by administration of EHDP unter function-scintigraphic control. According to the author's results the Zweymuller/Endler and Zweymuller systems satisfy the requirements for a cement-free total hip replacement since, on the one hand, intraoperative and postoperative complications are slight and, on the other, a good functional result is achieved. The Zweymuller prosthesis has proved particularly suitable for hip joints operated on previously.

In a prospective study the reliability of colour-coded duplex-sonography (CCDS) and phlebography in the diagnosis of deep leg and pelvic vein thrombosis was compared. In 82 consecutive in- or out-patients (42 men, 40 women; mean age 53 [19-86] years) with clinically suspected leg or pelvic vein thrombosis the results of 275 phlebographies (reference method) and 275 CCDS were compared on admission and during follow-up. The two methods were performed less than 6 hours apart. In the diagnosis of thrombosis the sensitivity of CCDS was 99%, specificity 80%. In 88% of all tests, the different thrombosis levels, as diagnosed by phlebography, were also demonstrated by CCDS. These data indicate that, if the clinical picture of suspected deep leg or pelvic vein thrombosis is unclear, CCDS should be done first. Phlebography should be performed only if the results of the former are inconclusive.

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS Severe pain and increasing swelling in the region of the right lower leg occurred after unaccustomed physical activity in a 29-year-old man. Physical examination showed painful swelling and livid discoloration of the right lower leg. INVESTIGATIONS Laboratory tests were consistent with an acute inflammation. Colour Doppler duplex sonography of the leg and pelvic veins bilaterally revealed complete thrombosis of the deep leg and pelvic veins on the right. Spiral computed tomography of the abdomen confirmed deep pelvic vein thrombosis and also demonstrated complete agenesis of the inferior vena cava (IVC). TREATMENT AND COURSE The patient was fully heparinized and compression bandage applied to the right leg, which was kept elevated, Ibuprofen, 3 x 400 mg daily, was given for pain relief. Anticoagulation treatment with phenprocoumon (Marcumar) was initiated. The patient was discharged much improved after ten days. Duplex sonography after 3 months demonstrated partial recanalization of the right pelvic and deep leg veins. CONCLUSION Congenital malformations of the IVC are rare. Phlebothrombosis often results in affected patients. Treatment or prevention of thrombosis of the deep veins by anticoagulation is indicated. Additional risk factors for thrombosis--smoking, hormonal contraceptives, immobilization and unusual physical activity--should be strictly avoided.

Between November 1988 and February 1990, a total of 180 patients (76 men and 104 women; mean age 59 [17-79] years), suspected of having sustained a deep-vein or pelvic thrombosis were examined by colour Doppler ultrasound, the results being compared with those obtained by conventional phlebography. For 154 phlebographically confirmed acute venous thromboses (demonstrated by colour Doppler ultrasound in 153), four older thromboses (colour Doppler ultrasound: 7), and 22 without significant venous disease (colour Doppler ultrasound: 20), the specificity for colour Doppler ultrasound was 99%, its sensitivity 94%. In 49 patients with confirmed venous thrombosis thrombolytic treatment was started with 250,000 IU urokinase, followed by 62,500 IU hourly, the results being assessed by colour Doppler ultrasound and phlebography. This gave a specificity, compared with phlebography, of 99%, and a sensitivity of 97%. These data indicate that, in the diagnosis of venous thrombosis of the legs, colour Doppler ultrasound noninvasively provides information at least as reliable as phlebography. It may even be superior to phlebography in the demonstration of residual flow in partly thrombosed veins.

A 26-year-old woman, on bedrest since the 6th week of pregnancy because of threatened abortion, developed thrombosis in the left iliac, superficial femoral and common femoral veins with small pulmonary emboli in the 11th week. Inhibitor deficiency was excluded. The thrombosis was only partially recanalized by unfractionated heparin at therapeutic dosage (38,400 IU per 24 h). As thrombolysis treatment and oral anticoagulation were contraindicated because of the threatened abortion, coagulation with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was started in the 18th week (5000 anti-Xa units daily subcutaneously). Maximal anti-Xa activity in plasma never exceeded 0.3 U/ml and there were no complications. The patient was delivered of a healthy girl (2,660 g, 48 cm) by caesarean section in the 37th week. Immediately post-partum LMWH was demonstrated with an anti-Xa activity of 0.3 U/ml in maternal blood, but none in simultaneously obtained cord venous blood. This case suggests that treatment of phlebothrombosis with LMWH is a reasonable measure even during pregnancy.

In a prospective study we compared colour duplex ultrasound to venography in 325 patients with clinically suspected acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. In 269 cases of proven thrombosis overall sensitivity and specificity of colour duplex ultrasound were 98% and in calf vein thrombosis 96%. Investigations by both methods after fibrinolytic urokinase therapy of phlebothrombosis in 53 patients revealed no significant diagnostic differences between the two methods. In 115 patients with clinically suspected chronic venous insufficiency colour duplex ultrasound allowed to differentiate between occluded, partially recanalised or normal deep veins with or without venous valve incompetence and superficial venous insufficiency. In this study colour duplex ultrasound in diagnosis of acute or chronic lower limb venous disease attained results that were comparable to those obtained by phlebography.

Two children with clinically suspected renal vein thrombosis were evaluated by duplex Doppler sonography and colour flow imaging. Both cases presented unspecific findings with an enlarged kidney and loss of cortico-medullary delineation on gray-scale ultrasound, but an unusual flow pattern with retrograde plateau-like frequency shifts during diastole. No venous signal could be obtained. By colour flow imaging only the main renal artery and its proximal branches could be visualised with a reverberating oscillation of blood flow. In addition, partial thrombosis of inferior vena cava in one patient and iliac vein thrombosis in the other could be demonstrated. Clinical improvement during fibrinolytic therapy in one case and nephrectomy in the other case confirmed the diagnosis.

A case is presented of a 39-year-old primigravida who developed iliofemoral-popliteal thrombosis in the 34th week of twin pregnancy. Thrombectomy by use of a Fogarty catheter with previous protection from thrombus embolization by proximal placement of temporary occlusion was performed at the same time as the cesarean section for completion of premature delivery.

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS A 37-year-old German fell ill with fever and diffuse headaches 3 weeks after flying to Thailand for a holiday. Because of increasing sickness he began his return (13 h by train then 11 h by plane). Besides a temperature of 39.3 degrees C he presented with a unproductive cough and pain in his left calf. On examination there were no other pathological findings than a borderline tachycardia, mild hypotension and signs of dehydration. INVESTIGATIONS Laboratory tests showed elevated inflammatory parameters (CRP 77.8 mg/l, ESR 36 mm), normal range of leucocytes with obvious shift to the left, mild thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes. The Weil-Felix-reaction revealed a high antibody titre against OX 19, the IFT for Rickettsia typhi a significant increase of IgM with seroconversion for IgG. Duplex ultrasonography and phlebography confirmed a phlebothrombosis of the left upper thigh. DIAGNOSIS Murine typhus and deep vein thrombosis of the left upper leg. TREATMENT AND COURSE Suspecting typhoid fever with ciprofloxacin was started. In less then 2 days the patient became afebrile and recovered. The deep vein thrombosis was treated with low-molecular-weight heparin (Tinzaparin) overlapping with phenprocoumon. CONCLUSION In patients with fever after travel to tropical or subtropical areas (including southern Europe) the diagnosis of murine typhus should be considered, especially if concomitant with thromboembolic events. The Weil-Felix-reaction is a helpful screening test supplemented by Rickettsia specific serologic tests. Overall a higher risk of thrombosis should be taken into account after long sedentary travel.

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: We report on a young female patient with flank pain and a swelling of the lower limb of the left side. INVESTIGATIONS: In magnetic resonance angiography as well as Doppler-duplex ultrasound an iliofemoral phlebothrombosis of the left side due to vena cava inferior hypoplasia with collateral circulation was diagnosed. Oral contraception could play a role as a trigger. The patient also presented activated protein C resistance/ heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation. DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT AND COURSE: According to the CaVenT study we treated the patient successfully with catheter-directed thrombolysis. Follow-ups presented a patency of the iliofemoral vein. CONCLUSIONS: In young patients with short duration of a proximal deep vein thrombosis and after exclusion of contraindications a catheter-directed lysis should be considered as a treatment option. The differential diagnostic of a (bilateral) ilio-femoral vein thrombosis in young patients should include an anomaly of the venous system.

Fetal head impaction as a cause of iliofemoral phlebothrombosis: Contribution to the pathogenesis of deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy

Standardised streptokinase-heparin treatment was used in 30 patients with stenoses or occlusions of the large arteries and phlebothrombosis. Apart from three cases of occlusion of the popliteal artery it was possible to revascularise all occluded vessels and markedly widen any haemodynamically effective stenoses.

The current status of surgery of the inferior vena cava, and the iliac and femoral veins in cases of phlebothrombosis, of postthrombotic syndrome, and in traumatic lesions is discussed. Each intervention in the venous system requires an exact preoperative diagnosis including phlebography and phlebodynamometry. After a mean observation period of 26 months, 41.4% excellent results were obtained following venous thrombectomy in cases of phlebothrombosis. Vena cava blockade as a prophylactic measure against pulmonary embolism is an accepted procedure now. It remains, however, limited to a few exceptional situations. Venous injuries proximal to the elbow and the knee can be successfully treated by direct suture or graft implantation with good functional results, whereas ligature of large veins causes postthrombotic syndrome of the limbs in over 50% of the cases. Chronic occlusion of iliac veins and postthrombotic syndrome may be treated by reconstructive methods, with the aid of a temporary arterio-venous fistula. The prerequisites of patent run-in and run-off reduce the number of operations to but a few cases.

The authors report on a fatal mesenteric vein thrombosis following an uncomplicated percutaneous transhepatic portal vein catheterisation for the localisation of an insulinoma. Several hours after the procedure the patient developed an acute abdomen. An emergency laparotomy revealed a haemorrhagic infarct of the ileum. The resected specimen showed an acute phlebitis with fresh thrombus. The cause of the phlebothrombosis was thought to be intimal damage from high osmolar contrast medium. There was no evidence of damage due to the catheter, either on the phlebogram or pathologically.

Clinical signs of deep vein thrombosis of the calf in diseases of the knee joint may lead to a false diagnosis. Two examples illustrate how bursae or herniated cysts at the back of the knee may resemble acute phlobothrombosis when they increase in size or rupture. Sonographic investigations are the method of choice for diagnosis and differentiation of cysts as well as for the follow-up.