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.

 
 

Dr. Leandro Perez discusses causes, symptoms, and treatment of DVT.

 
 

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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