Deep vein thrombosis following ischemic stroke among Asians

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is perceived as uncommon among Asian stroke patients. However, there is a paucity of published data, and thus, we studied the frequency, characteristics and prognosis of DVT following ischemic stroke in Asian patients with lower limb paresis. Methods: Doppler ultrasound scans of the lower limbs were performed at days 7-10 and 25-30 after stroke onset. The functional status of patients was assessed at 6 months using the modified Rankin scale. Results: DVT was detected in 30% of patients at days 7-10 and in 45% of patients at days 25-30. Most thromboses were distal. There were significant associations of age and degree of weakness with the presence of DVT at days 25-30, but not at days 7-10. DVT in the first month after stroke was associated with poorer outcome at 6 months. Conclusions: DVT following ischemic stroke among Asians is common and associated with poor functional outcome. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.