Skip to main content
eScholarship
Open Access Publications from the University of California

UCSF

UC San Francisco Previously Published Works bannerUCSF

Iliac Vein Compression as Risk Factor for Left- versus Right-Sided Deep Venous Thrombosis: Case-Control Study

Abstract

Purpose

To determine if compression of the left common iliac vein (LCIV) by the right common iliac artery is associated with left-sided deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Materials and methods

This institutional review board-approved case-control study was performed in a cohort of 230 consecutive patients (94 men, 136 women; mean age, 57.5 years; range, 10-94 years) at one institution who had undergone contrast material-enhanced computed tomography of the pelvis prior to a diagnosis of unilateral DVT. Demographic data and information on risk factors were collected. Two board-certified radiologists determined iliac vein compression by using quantitative measures of percentage compression {[1 minus (LCIV diameter at point of maximal compression/distal right common iliac vein diameter)] times 100%}, as well as qualitative measures (none, mild, moderate, severe), with estimates of measurement variability. Logistic regression analysis was performed (independent variable, left vs right DVT; dependent variable, iliac vein compression). Cutpoints of relevant compression were evaluated by using splines. Means (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) and odds ratios (ORs) (and 95% CIs) of left DVT per 1% increase in percentage compression were calculated.

Results

Patients with right DVT were more likely than those with left DVT to have a history of pulmonary embolism. Overall, in all study patients, mean percentage compression was 36.6%, 66 (29.7%) of 222 had greater than 50% compression, and 16 (7.2%) had greater than 70% compression. At most levels of compression, increasing compression was not associated with left DVT (adjusted ORs, 1.00, 0.99, 1.02) but above 70%, LCIV compression may be associated with left DVT (adjusted ORs, 3.03, 0.91, 10.15).

Conclusion

Increasing levels of percentage compression were not associated with left-sided DVT up to 70%; however, greater than 70% compression may be associated with left DVT.

Supplemental material

http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.12111580/-/DC1.

Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.

Main Content
For improved accessibility of PDF content, download the file to your device.
Current View