Introduction: Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis as swelling, erythema, pain and calor have been suspected of being caused by an inflammatory reaction of the affected leg. We therefore performed a prospective pilot trial to study a possible systemic inflammatory response induced by deep vein thrombosis.
Patients and methods: We determined white blood cell count and plasma C-reactive protein in 100 consecutive patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis. The final diagnosis was based on the results of duplex sonography or ascending venography.
Results: Deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 37 patients (37%). White blood cell count (P = 0.012) and plasma C-reactive protein values (P < 0.001) were significantly increased in patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis. There was no correlation of white blood cell count or C-reactive protein with the thrombotic burden or the duration of symptoms.
Conclusion: In patients with deep vein thrombosis, thrombus formation and consequent vein wall damage induce a systemic inflammatory reaction which is reflected by significantly increased levels of white blood cells and plasma C-reactive protein.