Deep vein thrombosis overview
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which blood clots have formed within the deep veins of the body.
DVT affects about 2,000,000 people per year, and causes approximately 300,000 deaths. Unfortunately, it often goes undetected.
Depending on the timing of their occurrence, DVTs can be classified as acute or chronic.
Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis
An acute DVT is defined as symptoms occurring within 14 days of presentation.
Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis
Chronic DVTs have been present for longer than 14 days.
Symptoms of DVT
Symptoms are variable depending on the timing of the DVT, the location of the DVT and the severity of venous obstruction caused by the DVT.
Symptoms may include:
Aching legs
Swollen legs
Tenderness to touch
Warm skin
Cramps
Skin redness
Causes of DVT
Blood clots can form due to a variety of conditions. There are particular risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a DVT.
Factors can be divided into:
Acquired risk factors (Transient or Persistent)
Prolonged immobility
Hospitalization
Surgical procedures
Trauma
Hormone replacement therapy
Prolonged travel
Pregnancy
Chemotherapy
Central venous catheters
Nephrotic syndrome
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Inherited risk factors
Coagulation inhibitor deficiencies, including:
Antithrombin deficiency
Protein S deficiency
Protein C deficiency
Coagulation factor dysfunction, including:
Dysfibrinogenemia
Factor V Leiden
Prothrombin gene mutation
Deep vein thrombosis diagnosis
Your doctor will obtain a detailed history of your presenting symptoms and review your body systems. A physical examination is conducted with particular attention to the affected area.
For more details and precision, a venous ultrasound is commonly recommended. In certain cases, a computed tomographic venography (CTV) or a magnetic resonance venography (MRV) may be necessary.
Deep vein thrombosis management
The management is tailored specifically to the affected patient. Management depends on the timing of the DVT, the location of the DVT, the severity of DVT symptoms, the patient’s bleeding risk, the likelihood of developing DVT complications and the patient’s preference.
The management can be conservative using variable duration anticoagulation and compression stockings.
In some cases, catheter-based interventions are indicated to remove clot material from the affected vein(s).
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