Objective
To examine predictive factors of the deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to propose an algorithm-based approach in making a differential diagnosis of the lower extremity edema (LEE) from lymphedema in gynecologic cancer survivors.
Methods
In this single-center, retrospective study, a total of 63 eligible patients include 16 patients with DVT and 47 without DVT. They were therefore divided into two groups: the DVT group (n=16) and the non-DVT group (n=47). Then, baseline and clinical characteristics of the patients were compared between the two groups.
Results
By the location of the DVT, there were five cases in the iliac vein, four cases in the femoral vein, three cases in the popliteal vein, three cases in the peroneal vein and one case in the inferior vena cava. In our series, the incidence of DVT had no significant correlation with the treatment modalities and co-morbidities. In addition, there were no significant differences in the circumference of the lower extremity, regional lymph node involvement and D-dimer levels between the two groups. But the distal organ metastasis and advanced-stage cancer were significantly more prevalent in the DVT group as compared with the non-DVT group (56.8% vs. 32.9%, p=0.03 and (62.33% vs. 36.3%, p=0.01, respectively).
Conclusion
In conclusion, our results indicate that it is necessary to consider the possibility of LEE arising from DVT in gynecologic cancer survivors with advanced-stage cancer as well as distant organ metastasis.
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