Epidemiology and treatment strategies of iliac vein thrombophlebitis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of iliac vein thrombophlebitis and describe gender differences associated with the management of this pathology.

METHODS: The 2010 National Inpatient Sample was retrospectively reviewed to include all inpatients with ICD-9 codes identifying iliac vein thrombophlebitis (451.81). Demographics, disposition, anticoagulation, thrombolytics, stent placement, open operative intervention, complications (deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism), and mortality rates were reported. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Student's t-testing with P < 0.05 deemed significant.

RESULTS: The incidence of iliac vein thrombophlebitis was 1/1,000,000 people. Men had an average age of 48 ± 20 years and women were significantly older at 59 ± 18 years (P = 0.02). There were no differences in treatment strategies or rates of complications between men and women including pulmonary embolism (23% for males, 16% of females) and deep vein thrombosis (29% for males and 19% for females). Length of stay between groups was not significant (11 ± 20 days for males and 7.7 ± 6 days for females). Overall mortality was 1.5%.

CONCLUSION: Iliac vein thrombophlebitis is a rare disease. Females who develop iliac vein thrombophlebitis are significantly older than their male counterparts. The rates of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and interventional strategies are not different between the sexes.