Superficial thrombophlebitis in varicose vein disease: the particular role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase.

Background The purpose of this study was to compare the genetic background of superficial (SVT) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods Factor V (FV)-Leiden (G16891A)-, factor II(G20210A)-mutations, protein C- and S, as well as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms at C677T and A1298C, and serum homocysteine levels (hcy) were determined in 29 patients with SVT and 26 with DVT. Findings FV- and –II-mutations were less frequent in patients with SVT (2/3) compared with DVT (9/5), respectively ( P < 0.002 in case of FV). However, the frequency of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was significantly higher in patients with SVT compared with DVT (CT 12 versus 10, and TT 7 versus …