Post Thrombotic Syndrome - General Considerations
First, post thrombotic syndrome is a “syndrome”, rather than a disease. As such, it can present differently in each patient, with symptoms varying considerably from individual to individual.
Technically, PTS is a complication of deep venous thrombosis. Some patients will go on to recover completely from DVT, but a significant percentage will have lingering complications from the disease.
Post thrombotic syndrome is a well described sequela of DVT, and symptoms can appear and disappear over time. It is a chronic condition, though, and one that can last your entire life. Over time, the symptoms can also become more severe, resulting in significant pain and discomfort, and even in permanent disability.
Post thrombotic syndrome is a constellation of typical symptoms and signs that ranges from pain, pigmentation of the skin, leg swelling, and formation of venous stasis ulcers.
Most cases of PTS present within six months of treatment for deep venous thrombosis, but some can take up to two years. In addition, each patient will have different symptoms and symptom combinations. The only true way to determine if you suffer from post thrombotic syndrome is to undergo an examination by a medical professional (preferably the doctor who treated your DVT).
The Villalta Scale was described in the 1990’s to diagnose and classify the severity of post thrombotic syndrome. Clinical studies done by Dr. Khan show that the Villalta scale is a “reliable, valid, acceptable and responsive measure of PTS in patients with previous, objectively confirmed DVT” and was published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Heamostasis (volume 7, pages 884-888, 2009).
Dr. hratch Karamanoukian is a member of the American College of Phlebology AND a Diplomate of the American Board of Phlebology. He can be contacted by calling 716-839-3638 or www.VeinsVeinsVeins.com
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a member of the American College of Phlebology AND a Diplomate of the American Board of Phlebology. He can be contacted by calling 310-998-5535 or www.SantaMonicaVeinCenter.com
Drs. Raffy and Hratch Karamanoukian have authored 6 books about venous disease. The books are available on Amazon Kindle and Nook books for download.