Evaluation of Perivascular Venous Vascularization and Inflammation by Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Patients With Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis and Superficial Thrombophlebitis - a Pilot Study

Background:

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) visualization of the adventitial vasa vasorum. Late phase CEUS detect inflammation by visualizing microbubbles phagocytosed by monocytes. The inflammatory process of the vessel wall associated with perivascular angiogenesis at the time of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombophlebitis (SVT) may important in the development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Therefore the investigators will test the value of CEUS to detect venous perivascular vascularization and inflammation in patients with acute DVT or SVT.

Aims:

To determine the presence and degree of venous perivascular vascularization and inflammation assessed with CEUS in patients with acute DVT or SVT, and compare this to controls without thrombosis.

Expected results:

The investigators hypothesize that venous perivascular vascularization and inflammation assessed by contrast agent enhancement can be quantified and will be significantly more pronounced in the perivascular tissue of the thrombotic vein than in the non affected vein and in controls, and will correlate with level of inflammatory markers and leg volume.

Significance:

These results would provide new information on the pathophysiological concept of thrombosis and thrombus resolution. It might help to better understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms that promote the development of chronic venous insufficiency and PTS.