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Deep venous thrombosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Deep venous thrombosis, ileofemoral
Deep venous thrombosis, ileofemoral
Deep veins
Deep veins
Venous blood clot
Venous blood clot
Deep veins
Deep veins
Venous thrombosis - series
Venous thrombosis - series

Alternative Names    Return to top

DVT; Blood clot in the legs; Thromboembolism

Definition    Return to top

Deep venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein that is deep inside the body.

Causes    Return to top

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh. The clot can block blood flow. If the clot breaks off and moves through the bloodstream, it can get stuck in the brain, lungs, heart, or other area, leading to severe damage.

Risks for DVT include:

You're also more likely to develop DVT if you have any of the following conditions:

DVTs are most common in adults over age 60, but can occur at any age.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. The exam may show a red, swollen, or tender leg.

The following tests may be done:

Blood tests may be done to check if there is increased blood clotting. Such tests include:

This list is not all-inclusive.

Treatment    Return to top

For years, the standard treatment has been a medication called heparin, which stops blood clots from forming. This type of medicine is called an anticoagulant (also known as a blood thinner).

If heparin is given continuously through a vein (IV), you must stay in the hospital. However, newer forms of heparin that can be given by injection once or twice a day can sometimes be used. You may not need to stay in the hospital as long, or at all, if you are prescribed this newer form of heparin.

The drug warfarin is usually prescribed along with heparin. Warfarin is taken by mouth and is usually used for long-term therapy. It takes several days to fully work. Heparin is continued until the warfarin has been fully effective for at least 24 hours. People usually take warfarin for a minimum of 3 months, but sometimes they must take it for the rest of their lives, depending on their risk for another clot.

You will need frequent lab tests to check the thickness of your blood when you first start taking warfarin. This lets your health care provider properly adjust your dose.

In rare cases, surgery may be needed if medicines do not work. Surgery may involve:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Many DVTs disappear without a problem, but they can return. Some people may have long-term pain and swelling in the leg known as post-phlebitic syndrome. Wearing tight (compression) stockings during and after the DVT may help prevent this problem.

Possible Complications    Return to top

A blood clot that breaks free in the leg and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) can be life threatening. Rapid treatment of DVT helps prevent this problem.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of DVT.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have DVT and you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood, fainting, loss of consciousness, or other severe symptoms.

Prevention    Return to top

Doctors may prescribe blood thinners to help prevent DVT in people at high risk, or those who are undergoing high-risk surgery.

Sometimes patients in the hospital wear special soft boots that automatically (and gently) squeeze the calves periodically. This is called intermittent pneumatic compression. It helps keep blood moving and prevents blood clotting.

Moving your legs often during long plane trips, car trips, and other situations in which you are sitting or lying down for long periods of time can also help prevent DVT.

References    Return to top

Brotman DJ, Jaffer AK. Prevention of venous thromboembolism in the geriatric patient.Cardiol Clin. 2008;26(2):221-34, vi.

Ginsburg J. Peripheral venous disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 81.

Snow V, Qaseem A, Barry P, et al. Management of venous thromboembolism: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146(3):204-10. Epub 2007 Jan 29.

Update Date: 1/27/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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