Clinical evolution of patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease during the COVID-19 pandemic (the COVID-PAD study).

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruptions in chronic disease care and forced people to stay at home. The effects of such issues on outpatients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) remain unknown. Patients and methods: Single-centre, retrospective-prospective study conducted in a Swiss University Hospital. Patients with PAD were included between May 1 and July 31, 2020, with a follow-up visit at 12 months. Upon both visits, the Leriche-Fontaine PAD stage was recorded, and study participants underwent ankle-brachial index (ABI) calculation to assess limb perfusion. Functional capacities were assessed through the 6-minute walking and treadmill tests. Major adverse cardiovascular (MACE) and limb events (MALE) were recorded. Data collected during the pandemic were compared with the pre-pandemic period (January 1, 2019-April 30, 2020). Results: Overall, 259 patients were included. Mean age was 69 years and male sex was prevalent (69.1%). Odds of experiencing a degradation in PAD stage were lower during the pandemic than before (odds ratio [OR]: 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21-0.87; p = 0.018). No significant difference was found between periods in terms of ABI trends. Both pain-free walking time at treadmill test (p = 0.003) and maximal pain intensity at 6-minute walking test (p = 0.001) significantly improved during the pandemic. Compared with the pre-pandemic period, during the pandemic patients were hospitalized less frequently (p = 0.028) and were less likely to undergo elective limb revascularization (p<0.001). No significant difference was found between periods in terms of MALE (p = 0.311), whereas non-fatal strokes were less frequently reported during the pandemic (p = 0.043). Conclusion: In a cohort of outpatients with PAD, we found no evidence of clinical deterioration during the pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period, though rates of adverse events were nonnegligible in both periods. In case of future pandemics, patients with PAD should be encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle while being closely monitored to avoid clinical worsening.

Sit to Stand Muscle Power Is Related to Functional Performance at Baseline and After Supervised Exercise Training in Patients with Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have decreased muscle power, contributing to functional limitations. The sit to stand (STS) is a validated test to assess muscle power in older individuals; however, it has never been investigated in patients with PAD. The relationship between STS muscle power, and common disease related outcomes was evaluated at baseline and following supervised exercise training (SET) in patients with PAD. METHODS: This observational study investigated patients with Fontaine stage II. Before and after SET, maximum treadmill walking distance (MWD), functional performance tests (six minute walk, STS, stair climbing, habitual gait speed), and quality of life (Short Form 36 questionnaire) were assessed. Relative (W/kg) STS muscle power was calculated using a validated equation. Multiple regressions models were used. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients with PAD were included (63.1 ± 12.1 years, 67% male). Relative STS muscle power before: 2.7 W/kg, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5 - 2.9; after: 3.3, 95% CI 3.1 - 3.6, MWD before: 367.0 m, 95% CI 302.4 - 431.5; after: 598.4, 95% CI 515.6 - 681.3, six minute walking distance before: 418.3 metres; 95% CI 399.4 - 437.2; after: 468.8; 95% CI 452.7-484.9, stair climbing performance before: 6.8 seconds 95% CI 6.2 - 7.4); after: 5.3; 95% CI 4.9 - 5.7, habitual gait speed before: 1.10 m/s, 95% CI 1.05 - 1.14; after: 1.18, 95% CI 1.14 - 1.22 increased significantly following SET (p < .001). Similarly, physical before: 31.4, 95% CI 29.4 - 33.3; after: 35.8, 95% CI 33.9 - 37.7 and mental before: 39.5, 95% CI 37.0 - 42.0; after: 43.1, 95% CI 40.9 - 45.4 component summaries of the SF-36 also increased significantly (p < .001). Greater relative STS muscle power at baseline was significantly related to greater baseline treadmill (ß < .380; p < .002) and functional (ß < .597; p < .001) performance, and quality of life (ß < .291; p < .050). Larger increases in relative STS muscle power following SET were associated with greater improvements in functional performance (ß < .419; p < .009). CONCLUSION: The STS test is a valid clinical tool to monitor overall functional status in patients with symptomatic PAD.

Time-course evolution of functional performance during a 3-month supervised exercise training program in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Functional performance is impaired in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The effects of a supervised exercise training (SET) program on functional performance have yet to be clearly determined. The aim was to investigate the time-course evolution of functional performance during a 3-month SET program. METHODS: Patients with chronic symptomatic PAD participating in a 3-month SET program were investigated. Six-minute walking distance (6MWD), the stair climbing test (SCT), and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were assessed before SET, after the first and second months of SET, and following the SET program. The ankle- and toe-brachial indices were measured before and after the SET program. RESULTS: Ninety patients with PAD (age 65.4 ± 10.2 years) were analyzed. The 6MWD significantly improved after the first (+7%, p ⩽ 0.001) and second months (+13%, p ⩽ 0.001) and following SET (+14%, p ⩽ 0.001) compared to before the SET program. The 6MWD significantly improved after the 2nd month (+6%, p ⩽ 0.001) and following SET (+7%, p ⩽ 0.001) compared to after the first month of the SET program. The SPPB score and SCT performance significantly improved after the first (SPPB score: +9%, p ⩽ 0.001; SCT: +17%, p ⩽ 0.001) and second months (SPPB score: +11%, p ⩽ 0.001; SCT: +24%, p ⩽ 0.001) and following SET (SPPB score: +12%, p ⩽ 0.001; SCT: +25%, p ⩽ 0.001) compared to before the SET program. No significant differences were observed following SET compared to the second month of the SET program. Vascular parameters did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: A 3-month SET program improves several components of functional performance, and adaptations mainly occur during the 1st and 2nd months of the SET program.

The Role of Neutrophils in Lower Limb Peripheral Artery Disease: State of the Art and Future Perspectives.

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the role of neutrophils in cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) with evidence supporting their role in the initiation, progression, and rupture of atherosclerotic plaque. Although these cells have long been considered as terminally differentiated cells with a relatively limited spectrum of action, recent research has revealed intriguing novel cellular functions, including neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) generation and inflammasome activation, which have been linked to several human diseases, including CVD. While most research to date has focused on the role of neutrophils in coronary artery and cerebrovascular diseases, much less information is available on lower limb peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a widespread condition associated with great morbidity and mortality, though physician and patient awareness of the disease remains low. To date, several studies have produced some evidence on the role of certain biomarkers of neutrophil activation in this clinical setting. However, the etiopathogenetic role of neutrophils, and in particular of some of the newly discovered mechanisms, has yet to be fully elucidated. In the future, complementary assessment of neutrophil activity should improve CV risk stratification and provide personalized treatments to patients with PAD. This review aims to summarize the basic principles and recent advances in the understanding of neutrophil biology, current knowledge about the role of neutrophils in atherosclerosis, as well as available evidence on their role of PAD.

[Peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs : from diagnosis to treatment]. / Maladie artérielle périphérique : du diagnostic au traitement.

Peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs (PAD) is a widespread disease whose diagnosis and treatment are still inadequate, despite several available current national and international recommendations. Screening for PAD is recommended in patients presenting with lower limb symptoms (claudication) and in those at risk. For all patients with PAD, initial management measures include treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle modification, exercise training and antithrombotic therapy, at least for any symptomatic PAD. Revascularization is discussed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the stage of the disease, in a multidisciplinary setting. A diagnostic algorithm for PAD is presented, together with the basic principles of comprehensive disease management.

La maladie artérielle périphérique des membres inférieurs (MAP) est une maladie très répandue dont le diagnostic et le traitement sont encore insuffisants malgré l'existence de plusieurs recommandations nationales et internationales. Le dépistage de la MAP est recommandé chez les patients présentant des symptômes au niveau des membres inférieurs (claudication) et chez les personnes à risque. La prise en charge initiale de la MAP comprend le traitement des facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire, la modification du mode de vie, l'entraînement à l'exercice physique et le traitement antithrombotique, si symptomatique. La revascularisation est discutée au cas par cas en fonction du stade de la maladie dans un cadre multidisciplinaire. Un algorithme diagnostique de la MAP ainsi que les bases de prise en charge globale de la maladie sont présentés.

[Management of aortic disease: the importance of an organized care network]. / Prise en charge de la maladie aortique : l'importance d'une filière des soins.

Pathologies of the aorta are a complex cardiovascular diseases requiring multidisciplinary management coordinated by specialized centers able to ensure adequate patient volume. This article describes the care pathways, based on the most recent data of the literature, to optimize the management of aortic diseases).

Les pathologies de l'aorte sont des maladies cardiovasculaires complexes nécessitant une prise en charge multidisciplinaire et cordonnée par des centres spécialisés pouvant assurer un volume adéquat de patients. Cet article décrit la filière des soins, basée sur les données les plus récentes de la littérature, pour optimiser la prise en charge de la maladie aortique.

Intensity-dependent effects of exercise therapy on walking performance and aerobic fitness in symptomatic patients with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We investigated how nonpain-based exercise therapy intensity (light-to-moderate or vigorous) affects improvements in walking performance and cardiorespiratory fitness of patients with symptomatic lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). We searched the Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases up to April 2021 and included randomized controlled trials reporting training therapies targeting exercise intensity (heart rate, oxygen consumption, or perceived exertion). The main outcomes were walking performance (pain-free [PFWD] and maximal [MWD] walking distance) and cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2peak). Secondary subanalyses examined the training modality (walking or other modalities) and the approach (high-intensity interval or moderate-intensity training). A total of 1132 patients were included. Light-to-moderate was superior to vigorous exercise intensity in improving MWD (223 m [95% CI 174 to 271], p < 0.00001; 153 m [95% CI 113 to 193], p < 0.00001; respectively) and PFWD (130 m [95% CI 87 to 173], p < 0.00001; 83 m [95% CI 61 to 104], p < 0.00001; respectively). When training modalities were considered, walking at a vigorous intensity (272 m [95% CI 207 to 337], p < 0.00001) showed the largest improvement in MWD compared to other exercise modalities. A larger increase in V̇O2peak was observed following vigorous (3.0 mL O2·kg-1·min-1 [95% CI 2.4 to 3.6], p < 0.00001) compared to light-to-moderate (1.1 mL O2·kg-1·min-1 [95% CI 0.4 to 1.7], p = 0.001) exercise intensity. These results indicate that vigorous was less effective than light-to-moderate intensity in improving walking performance, whereas it was more effective in improving V̇O2peak. When the training modalities were considered, walking at a vigorous intensity showed the greatest improvement in MWD. (PROSPERO Registration No.: CRD42020199469).

Gait changes after supervised exercise training in patients with symptomatic lower extremity peripheral artery disease.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of supervised exercise training (SET) on walking performance and spatiotemporal gait changes in patients with symptomatic lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this single-arm prospective nonrandomized cohort study, patients with Fontaine stage II PAD following a 3-month SET program were included. Before and after SET, a constant-load treadmill test was performed to determine the pain-free and maximal walking distances (PFWD and MWD, respectively). During this test, spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe-brachial index (TBI) were also measured. Twenty-seven patients with PAD (64.0 ± 1.9 y, 74% men) were included. Following SET, the PFWD (+68%; p = 0.001) and MWD (+79%; p ⩽ 0.001) significantly increased. The ABI and TBI did not change significantly. Following SET, the stride duration, stride frequency, stride length, and double support phase duration did not change significantly. In contrast, subphases of stance showed significant changes: the loading response (+8%; p = 0.03) and foot-flat (+2%; p = 0.01) phases were significantly longer, whereas the push-off phase (-7%; p = 0.002) was significantly shorter. A significant positive correlation was found between changes in the foot-flat phase and changes in PFWD (r = 0.43, p = 0.03). A significant negative correlation was found between changes in the push-off phase and changes in PFWD (r = -0.39, p = 0.05). No significant correlations were found between changes in relative durations of the subphases of stance and MWD. These results indicate that changes in temporal gait parameters during the foot contact phase potentially constitute an underlying mechanism of delayed claudication distance in patients with symptomatic PAD.

Supervised Exercise Training Improves 6 min Walking Distance and Modifies Gait Pattern during Pain-Free Walking Condition in Patients with Symptomatic Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of supervised exercise training (SET) on spatiotemporal gait and foot kinematics parameters in patients with symptomatic lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) during a 6 min walk test. Symptomatic patients with chronic PAD (Fontaine stage II) following a 3 month SET program were included. Prior to and following SET, a 6 min walk test was performed to assess the 6 min walking distance (6MWD) of each patient. During this test, spatiotemporal gait and foot kinematics parameters were assessed during pain-free and painful walking conditions. Twenty-nine patients with PAD (65.4 ± 9.9 years.) were included. The 6MWD was significantly increased following SET (+10%; p ≤ 0.001). The walking speed (+8%) and stride frequency (+5%) were significantly increased after SET (p ≤ 0.026). The stride length was only significantly increased during the pain-free walking condition (+4%, p = 0.001), whereas no significant differences were observed during the condition of painful walking. Similarly, following SET, the relative duration of the loading response increased (+12%), the relative duration of the foot-flat phase decreased (-3%), and the toe-off pitch angle significantly increased (+3%) during the pain-free walking condition alone (p ≤ 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between changes in the stride length (r = 0.497, p = 0.007) and stride frequency (r = 0.786, p ≤ 0.001) during pain-free walking condition and changes in the 6MWD. A significant negative correlation was found between changes in the foot-flat phase during pain-free walking condition and changes in the 6MWD (r = -0.567, p = 0.002). SET was found to modify the gait pattern of patients with symptomatic PAD, and many of these changes were found to occur during pain-free walking. The improvement in individuals' functional 6 min walk test was related to changes in their gait pattern.

[Screening for peripheral arterial disease : role of the primary care physician]. / Dépistage de l'artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs : rôle du médecin de premier recours.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a widespread disease with high impact on global health. While general population screening is not currently indicated, the primary care physician has the critical role of identifying asymptomatic patients who are particularly at risk for PAD and could therefore benefit from screening. In addition, he or she must recognize the typical and atypical clinical presentations of patients with symptomatic PAD to ensure proper diagnosis and care. After an adequate medical history and clinical examination, the first diagnostic test is the « Ankle-Brachial Index ¼ (ABI) calculation. In case of pathologic ABI (≤ 0.9, or > 1.4), or in case of normal or borderline ABI with symptoms, the patient should be referred to a vascular medicine physician for diagnostic confirmation and management.

L'artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs est une maladie très répandue ayant un impact remarquable sur la santé mondiale. Bien que le dépistage dans la population générale ne soit pas indiqué, le médecin de premier recours a le rôle essentiel d'identifier les patients asymptomatiques qui pourraient bénéficier du dépistage. En outre, il·elle doit reconnaître les présentations cliniques typiques et atypiques chez les patients symptomatiques, afin d'assurer le diagnostic. Après l'anamnèse et l'examen clinique, le premier test de dépistage est le calcul de l'index cheville-bras. En cas de valeurs pathologiques (≤ 0,9 ou > 1,4), normales ou « borderline ¼ en présence de symptômes, le patient doit être adressé à un angiologue pour confirmation du diagnostic et prise en charge.

[Vascular passport : a tool for secondary prevention among patients with peripheral artery disease]. / Passeport vasculaire : un outil pour la prévention secondaire des patients avec maladie artérielle périphérique.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major health problem in Switzerland, as myocardial infarction or stroke, all three sharing common cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and similar pathophysiological mechanisms (atherosclerosis). Unfortunately, PAD is still often overlooked, despite being fraught with significant morbidity/mortality and increasing the patient's overall CV risk. It is therefore essential to improve secondary prevention in order to decrease this burden and the overall CV risk of the patient. We will review the treatment targets for CV risk factors as secondary prevention in patients with PAD and see how the use of a vascular passport may improve management.

La maladie artérielle périphérique (MAP) est une problématique de santé majeure en Suisse, au même titre que l'infarctus du myocarde ou l'AVC, tous les trois partageant des facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire (FRCV) communs et des mécanismes physiopathologiques similaires (athérosclérose). Malheureusement, l'importance de la MAP est encore souvent sous-estimée, alors qu'elle est grevée d'une morbidité et d'une mortalité importantes et augmente le risque cardiovasculaire (CV) global du patient. Il est capital d'améliorer la prévention secondaire afin de diminuer ce fardeau et le risque CV global du patient. Nous allons passer en revue les cibles de traitement des FRCV en prévention secondaire chez les patients avec MAP et voir comment l'utilisation d'un passeport vasculaire permet d'améliorer la prise en charge.

[Lower extremity peripheral artery disease†: local and systemic complications]. / Artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs†: complications locales et systémiques.

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease can lead to local complications but also to complications in other vascular areas, stressing the systemic impact of the atheromatous disease. The current concepts of MALE (Major Adverse Limb Events) and MACE (Major Adverse Cardiac Events) encompass these risks. The systemic vascular complications, as well as the ones at lower extremities, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. An optimal therapeutic management and healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, are crucial to limit the risk of unfavorable progression of the arterial disease. A close collaboration between the general practitioner and the angiologist is a key to adequate initial management and follow-up of the patients.

L'artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs (AOMI) est associée à des complications locales et dans d'autres territoires vasculaires, témoignant du caractère généralisé de la pathologie athéromateuse. Les notions récentes de MALE (major adverse limb events) et MACE (major adverse cardiac events) reflètent cette approche conceptuelle de la maladie athéromateuse. Les complications vasculaires systémiques et spécifiques aux membres inférieurs sont à l'origine d'une morbi-mortalité significative. Une prise en charge optimale médicamenteuse et d'hygiène de vie, en particulier une activité physique régulière, sont fondamentales pour limiter les risques d'évolution défavorable de la pathologie artérielle. La collaboration étroite entre le médecin interniste-généraliste et l'angiologue est à la base de la prise en charge initiale et du suivi des patients.

[Exercise training therapy in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease]. / Traitement par l'exercice physique chez le patient avec une artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs.

Patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) have decreased functional capacities leading to decreased quality of life and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Exercise therapy is recommended among first-choice therapeutic options and improves overall physical function and quality of life in symptomatic patients with PAD. Exercise therapy is also effective in patients with PAD following revascularization. Other than walking, different training modalities are safe, feasible and effective to induce clinical benefits for these patients. We present here the role of exercise therapy and its specificities in the management of PAD.

Les patients avec une artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs (AOMI) présentent une diminution des capacités fonctionnelles qui conduit souvent à une baisse de la qualité de vie et une augmentation de la morbi-mortalité cardiovasculaire. L'exercice physique fait partie de la prise en charge optimale des patients avec AOMI et permet d'améliorer leur état fonctionnel général et leur qualité de vie. Les effets bénéfiques de l'exercice sont également présents après un geste de revascularisation. Plusieurs types et modalités d'entraînement sont efficaces afin d'obtenir des bénéfices cliniques pour ces patients. Nous présenterons ici le rôle de l'exercice physique et ses spécificités dans la prise en charge de l'AOMI.

[The vascular access of hemodialysis patients - What should the primary care physician know about ?] / Accès vasculaire du patient hémodialysé - Que doit savoir le spécialiste en médecine interne générale ?

The most frequent dialysis modality in Switzerland is hemodialysis. Patients need a proper vascular access for this modality. There are three types of vascular access for hemodialysis : arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft and central venous catheters. In this article, we will discuss the most important parameters that need to be taken into account when choosing the most appropriate access. We present the advantages and disadvantages of each vascular access, as well as their main local (thrombosis, infection, steal syndrome) and systemic (heart failure, pulmonary hypertension) complications, which may also be encountered by primary care physicians.

La majorité des patients dialysés en Suisse utilisent comme modalité l'hémodialyse. Cette technique nécessite un accès vasculaire permanent, dont il existe trois types : la fistule artérioveineuse native, la fistule artérioveineuse prothétique et le cathéter veineux central. Dans cet article, nous passerons en revue les paramètres à prendre en compte avant la création et l'utilisation d'une fistule. Nous discuterons les avantages et les inconvénients des différents accès ainsi que des complications locales (thrombose, infection, syndrome de vol) et systémiques (insuffisance cardiaque, hypertension pulmonaire) les plus fréquentes qu'ils peuvent engendrer et auxquelles les médecins en première ligne peuvent aussi être confrontés.

[Best medical treatment of lower extremity arterial disease in 2018]. / Traitement médical optimal de l'artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs en 2018.

Lower extremity artery disease is a very common disease, which is frequently associated with consistent disability in terms of both clinical symptoms and functioning. It is also associated with important morbidity and mortality, because of a significant increase in overall cardiovascular risk in affected patients. The establishment of an optimal medical treatment, including a careful management of the different cardiovascular risk factors through a healthy lifestyle, a regular and structured physical activity and the administration (if indicated) of antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, antidiabetic and antithrombotic drugs is a fundamental component in the clinical management of these patients and should always be considered by the clinicians facing the disease.

L'artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs est une pathologie très fréquente, souvent invalidante autant sur le plan symptomatologique que fonctionnel. Elle est associée par ailleurs à une morbidité et une mortalité considérables, en raison d'une augmentation significative du risque cardiovasculaire global chez les patients atteints. L'instauration d'un traitement médical optimal, incluant une gestion attentive des différents facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire au travers d'un mode de vie sain, d'une activité physique régulière et structurée et de l'administration (si indiquée) de médicaments antihypertenseurs, hypolipémiants, antidiabétiques et antithrombotiques, représente le pilier du traitement des patients artériopathes et doit être encouragée et gérée par les médecins en charge de ces patients.

[Thromboangiitis obliterans: notions for practice]. / Thromboangéite oblitérante :notions pour la pratique.

Thromboangiitis obliterans is an occlusive vasculopathy affecting small- and medium-size arteries. It can result in severe ischemic status. Thrombophlebitis can be associated. The exact etiology has still to be elucidated. Smoking is the main contributing factor. Diagnosis is based on clinic and paraclinic context, as well as exclusion of other vascular pathologies. Its management consists in complete smoking cessation and instauration of vasodilator treatment. Revascularization is an option that has to be evaluated on a case by case basis. New promising therapeutic approaches are emerging.

La thromboangéite oblitérante se caractérise principalement par une atteinte occlusive des artères de petit et moyen calibres, pouvant mener à un tableau clinique ischémique grave. Une thrombophlébite peut y être associée. L'étiologie exacte n'est pas encore connue. Le tabagisme est le facteur de risque prépondérant. Le diagnostic se base sur les contextes clinique et paraclinique, ainsi que l'exclusion d'autres pathologies vasculaires. La prise en charge consiste en l'arrêt définitif du tabagisme et l'introduction de traitements vasodilatateurs. Les options de revascularisation sont à discuter de cas en cas. De nouvelles modalités thérapeutiques semblent prometteuses.

[Deep vein thrombosis in uncommon localisations]. / Thromboses veineuses profondes de localisation inhabituelle.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) with its two components, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a common disease with an incidence of 0,75­2,69/1000. Deep vein thrombosis is localized in unusual sites in about 10 %, and rare DVT's have specific symptoms and risk factors. Uncommon DVT's are often related to local factors, inflammation, cancer, hematologic diseases and thrombophilia. Their diagnostic workup is less straightforward than in suspected VTE of lower limbs and PE, and rare DVT's are often unexpected findings of imaging studies. By extrapolating evidence of lower limbs VTE, most rare DVT are treated by anticoagulants, except retinal vein thrombosis. However, evidence for the type and duration of anticoagulation is limited.

La maladie thromboembolique veineuse avec ses deux facettes, la thrombose veineuse profonde et l'embolie pulmonaire (EP), est fréquente (incidence 0,75­2,69 ‰). Environ 10 % des thromboses ont des localisations inhabituelles et sont caractérisées par des symptômes et étiologies spécifiques. Les thromboses rares sont souvent liées à des facteurs locaux, inflammatoires, des néoplasies, des maladies hématologiques ou une thrombophilie. La démarche diagnostique est moins standardisée par rapport à celle pour les thromboses des membres inférieurs et souvent il s'agit de découvertes fortuites d'imagerie. Avec l'exception de la thrombose rétinienne, une anticoagulation thérapeutique est instaurée dans la majorité des cas, en analogie au traitement des autres thromboses, cependant avec un faible niveau d'évidence quant au choix et à la durée de l'anticoagulation.