Platelet scintigraphy results of heparin versus streptokinase treatment in acute deep vein thrombosis.

Objective: The aim of the study was to document the therapeutic effects and primary recanalization ratios of either streptokinase or heparin in the therapeutic process of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The results are obtained with the help of platelet scintigraphy.

Design: The investigation was planned as a randomized, controlled and prospective study, including 20 patients within two groups. Group I contained 10 patients undergoing IV infusion therapy of unfractionated heparin while Group II contained 10 patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy using streptokinase. After 8 weeks, scintigraphies using Tc-99m HMPAO-labeled thrombocytes were made, and interpreted by two blinded nuclear medicine physicians. The results are compared using Mann-Whitney U- and chi2-tests.

Results: No complication leading to interruption of therapy took place. Significantly smaller pathologic thrombocyte accumulations were detected in the streptokinase group. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.019).

Conclusion: Although a general clinical improvement had been observed in all patients, the scintigraphic investigation showed that the thrombolytic therapy maintained a better deep vein luminous patency.