|
|
Deep
Venous Thrombosis
Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot.
Deep venous thrombosis refers to clot
formation (most commonly) in the lower extremities.
The release of the clot, allowing it to travel through
the blood stream, is known as embolization.
This can result in clot entrapment in the lungs,
a clinical entity known as pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include unilateral leg (calf) swelling
and pain. There may be tenderness to the calf extending
up the thigh, into the groin.
Risk Factors
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is common in several
different situations:
|
• |
Pregnancy |
|
• |
Chronically bedridden or wheelchair bound
|
|
• |
Elderly patients |
|
• |
Immediate post operative patients
|
|
• |
Females using birth control pills
|
|
• |
Patients with a history of prior deep venous
thrombosis |
Diagnosis
Evaluation will include history and physical examination
for the findings consistent with DVT.
|
• |
Echography, especially Doppler, has offered
a painless noninvasive alternative for diagnosing
this problem. |
|
• |
Venography, which involves an injection of
a radio opaque contrast dye into a foot vein,
provides X-ray illumination of the lower extremity
venous system. |
|
• |
Blood tests (i.e. blood count and coagulation
profile) will also be performed. |
Treatment
Treatment will involve the use of medications (heparin)
to inhibit clot formation. This anticoagulant medication
is generally given in the hospital by intravenous
or subcutaneous route with close observation for signs
and symptoms of pulmonary embolism. Leg elevation,
bed rest, and warm compresses may also be indicated.
Oral anticoagulant medication (warfarin) may be necessary
longer term in some of these patients.
RETURN
TO ENCYCLOPEDIA 
|
|
|
|
