# Extensive Collateral Venous Circulation and Anatomic Remodeling in Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis

**Authors:** Demi Curbelo, Ian Lancaster, Alexander Yaylayan, Merrill Krolick

PMC · DOI: 10.1155/cric/8841986 · Case Reports in Cardiology · 2026-01-08

## TL;DR

This paper presents a case of chronic deep vein thrombosis where the body formed extensive collateral veins to maintain blood flow, allowing for conservative treatment.

## Contribution

The case highlights the body's ability to adapt through collateral venous formation in chronic DVT, informing conservative management strategies.

## Key findings

- Venography showed complete occlusion of the left common femoral vein.
- The patient had extensive collateral venous circulation and was managed conservatively with anticoagulation.
- Collateral formation enabled clinical stability without invasive intervention.

## Abstract

Chronic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) can result in a significant venous outflow obstruction, often prompting the development of extensive compensatory mechanisms to maintain adequate circulation. We report a case of recurrent DVT, presenting with left lower extremity pain and edema. Venography revealed complete occlusion of the left common femoral vein with extensive collateral venous circulation. Given the presence of well‐formed collaterals and clinical stability, the patient was treated conservatively with continued anticoagulation without additional invasive intervention. This case highlights the physiologic adaptation of collateral formation that can allow for conservative management in chronic DVT and contributes to a better understanding of management strategies for high‐risk patients with recurrent thrombotic events.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** pain (MESH:D010146), venous outflow obstruction (MESH:D006502), edema (MESH:D004487), thrombotic (MESH:D013927), DVT (MESH:D020246)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

9 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12780541/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12780541