Plantar vein thrombosis

Abstract

Plantar vein thrombosis is an uncommon and under-diagnosed cause of plantar foot pain. It is characterized by the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within one of the plantar veins. Factors leading to this condition are unclear and multiple potential causes have been proposed. Plantar vein thrombosis presents as non-specific unilateral plantar foot pain, swelling, and a heavy feeling in the affected foot. There is no current diagnostic guideline for this condition however compression ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging appear suitable. Treatments range from rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to six months of anticoagulant therapy. Herein, we aim to consolidate the current literature on plantar vein thrombosis to guide clinicians and future researchers.

Plantar vein thrombosis: 17-year longitudinal study of consecutive patients from a Swiss academic center

“…No more than 50 cases have been reported in the medical literature over the last 2 decades [ 1 ], encompassing several case reports and a single cohort study of 22 patients [ 2 ]. Challenges in accurately diagnosing PVT, leading to both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis, may obscure its true prevalence and impact.…”

“…Challenges in accurately diagnosing PVT, leading to both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis, may obscure its true prevalence and impact. Pain, swelling, and sensation of heaviness have been described as typical symptoms [ [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] ] in patients in whom other conditions, ie, plantar fasciitis, bone fractures, tendon abnormalities, and Morton neuroma, have been excluded.…”

“…Diagnostic methods have not been tested in this setting. Compression ultrasound and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may serve to confirm diagnosis [ [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] ]. Due to the absence of clinical data, even from cohorts of patients with distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), no standard treatment has been established.…”

“…Due to the absence of clinical data, even from cohorts of patients with distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), no standard treatment has been established. A common approach involves the use of anticoagulants [ 1 , 2 ]. Evidence for the use of compression stockings for PVT is lacking.…”

Fußbeschwerden – eine praxisorientierte Einführung

“…Störungen spielen eine Rolle. Die häufig vorhandenen Varizen können zu Beschwerden führen.In der Literatur wird das Auftreten einer Plantarvenenthrombose als nicht häufig, aber unterdiagnostiziert bezeichnet[30]. Sie ist gekennzeichnet durch nicht spezifische unilaterale plantare Fußschmerzen und ein Schweregefühl im betroffenen Fuß.…”