Practice variation in the management of distal deep vein thrombosis in primary vs. secondary cares: A clinical practice survey

International audience; INTRODUCTION:Distal deep-vein thromboses (iDDVT) are infra-popliteal DVTs. They are as frequent but less serious than proximal DVT. Their management is debated.METHODS:Clinical practice survey among a random selection of 111 general practitioners (GP) and 56 vascular medicine physicians (VMP) working in Languedoc-Roussillon (France) to assess and compare iDDVTs management by GP and VMP.RESULTS:In case of DVT, GP manage their patients alone in 35% of cases. In case of collaborative management, VMP initiate and stop anticoagulants (>74% of cases) whereas GP monitor anticoagulation (>76% of cases). With iDDVT, there was no difference between GP and VMP in terms of use (94% vs. 92%) and intensity of anticoagulation (full dose: 99%vs.100%). Duration of anticoagulation differed: GP modulated less frequently duration of anticoagulation in presence of a transient risk factor (58% vs. 90%, p