Analogie tra trombosi arteriosa e venosa ed il ruolo dell’infiammazione

Abstract

Traditionally, arterial and venous thrombosis have been considered as two distinct entities, due to different anatomical location and clinical presentation. Nonetheless, recent data suggest that atherothrombosis and venous thromboembolism (VTE) might share similar aetiological pathways and, particularly, the underlying inflammatory status. The role of inflammatory diseases as risk factors for VTE has been reported in several studies. Classical cardiovascular risk factors (such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and obesity) may also contribute to the development of VTE. An underlying chronic inflammation is reported in these conditions and is likely to be the common link between VTE and atherothrombosis. In addition, patients with VTE have an increased prevalence of asymptomatic atherosclerosis, expressed as carotid plaques or coronary arteries calcifications, and their long-term incidence of subsequent cardiovascular events is not negligible. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully assess the presence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with VTE, especially if unprovoked, in order to establish the appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications.