Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS)

Post-thrombotic syndrome is a condition that can happen to people who have had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the leg. The condition can cause chronic pain, swelling, and other symptoms in your leg. It may develop in the weeks or months following a DVT.

How is PTS diagnosed?

There is no gold standard test to diagnose post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The diagnosis is normally made by:

• Reviewing a patient’s history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and current symptoms

• Examining the leg

• Sometimes supplementing this information with an ultrasound

  • An ultrasound doesn’t confirm the diagnosis, but it can help experts better understand if there are factors that might be contributing to PTS, such as a blocked vein or valve damage from the blood clot.

Talk to your doctor if you’ve had a DVT and are still experiencing symptoms after several weeks or months. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a vascular surgeon, for further evaluation.

Here are highly credible, expert-reviewed resources and reference articles you can confidently link in a thrombosis.org blog post about post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).

Authoritative Overviews and Patient Guides

• Cleveland Clinic: Detailed explanations about post-thrombotic syndrome, including causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.

  • Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Symptoms & Treatment​

• National Blood Clot Alliance: Patient resource guide for living with and managing blood clots, including information and support for PTS.

  • New Patient Resource Guide​

  • General Blood Clot Awareness and Resources

  
  

  Educational and Support Resources

  • World Thrombosis Day: Curated external resources, patient education, and downloadable materials.

    • External Partner Resources