Key result
Long-haul flights linked to isolated calf vein thrombosis in ~2.5% of passengers, with no DVT observed.
Why the study?
The risk of venous thromboembolism associated with long-haul flights is controversial and requires prospective evaluation.
Does long-haul flight increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis or isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis compared to non-travelling?
Cohort (n=320)
Does long-haul flight increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis or isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis compared to non-travelling?
Absolute Event Rate: 2.5% vs 0.6%
Long-haul flights may be associated with a small incidence of asymptomatic isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis, particularly in those with other risk factors, but not proximal deep vein thrombosis.
May indicate modest isolated calf thrombosis risk after flights without proximal DVT; leaves open need for targeted prevention studies.
The risk of venous thromboembolism associated with long-haul flights is the subject of controversy. In a prospective, controlled study, we examined 160 passengers before and after return from a long-haul flight and 160 age-matched and sex-matched, non-travelling volunteers using venous compression ultrasound. Deep vein thrombosis was not observed in either group. Isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis (ICMVT) was present in 4/160 (2.5%) flight passengers and in 1/160 (0.6%) controls. All subjects with ICMVT were clinically asymptomatic, and ICMVT was located in the soleal muscle veins in all four subjects. Three of the four passengers with ICMVT had other risk factors for thrombosis.
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Schwarz et al. (2002) conducted a cohort in Venous thromboembolism (n=320). Long-haul flight vs. Non-travelling volunteers was evaluated on Isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis (ICMVT). Long-haul flights were associated with isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis in 2.5% of passengers compared to 0.6% of non-travelling controls, with no deep vein thrombosis observed in either group.
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