Ultrasound elastography predicts anticoagulation in lower extremity deep vein thrombosis

Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2024;87(2):171-185. doi: 10.3233/CH-232031.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate predictors of anticoagulation efficacy in deep venous thrombosis (DVT) by ultrasound elastography (UE).

Methods: The basic clinical, laboratory and ultrasound treatment data of fifty-eight patients with DVT were collected and analyzed. Then the results of ultrasound after 3-month anticoagulation treatment were compared among different groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors that affected anticoagulation efficacy. The predictive efficacy of each independent risk factor was accessed by drawing operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results: According to the regression analysis, the elastic modulus (OR = 0.631, P = 0.001) and strain rate ratio (OR = 0.332, P = 0.006) were identified as independent risk factors for the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy in patients with DVT. According to the ROC curves, elastic modulus and strain rate ratio could predict effective anticoagulation therapy for DVT, and the optimal threshold values were 22.10 kPa and 1.80 respectively. The corresponding AUC values were 0.879 and 0.854, with a sensitivity of 71.4% and 59.5%, a specificity of 93.7%, and a Youden index of 65.1% and 62.7%, respectively.

Conclusions: The elastic modulus (≤22.10 kPa) or strain rate ratio (≤1.80) of the thrombus were independent predictors for the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy.

Keywords: Elastography; anticoagulation; deep vein thrombosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants* / therapeutic use
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity* / blood supply
  • Lower Extremity* / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Venous Thrombosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anticoagulants