Association of deep venous thrombosis with neoplasms in different age groups

Aim. The objective of the current study was to evaluate if age is related to the prevalence of neoplasms in patients presenting with deep venous thrombosis. Methods. The existence of neoplasms was investigated in 221 female and 194 male patients suffering from deep venous thrombosis. Their ages ranged from 11 to 92 years old with a mean of 55.2 years. Thoracic radiography, endoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance were requested in cases of clinically suspected neoplasms. The inclusion criterion was the presence of deep venous thrombosis and exclusion criterion was that the existence of neoplasms was not investigated. The patients were classified in age groups at 10-year intervals starting at the age of 40 years old. For statistical analysis the one sample t-test and Fisher exact test were utilized with an alpha-error of 5% considered acceptable. Results. Neoplasms were detected in 3.4% of under 40-year-old patients, 5.6% between 40 and 50 years, 16.6% between 50 and 60 years, 26.8% between 60 and 70 years, 19.3% between 70 and 80 years and 10.8% in over 80-year-old. The association between neoplasms and age is significant for over 50-year-old when compared with those under 40-year-old (Fisher exact test P value <0.005) and there is a difference in percentages between the age groups (one sample t test P value=0.01). Conclusion. In conclusion the prevalence of neoplasms is associated to age with the highest rate in the 60- to 70-year age group. [Int Angiol 2009;28:144-6]