ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

What is Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is when a thrombus or blood clot is generated in the deep veins of the body, usually in those of the lower limb, causing inflammation and pain, although sometimes there may be no symptoms.

It is a serious condition because thrombi are susceptible to detach from the place of origin and travel through the blood until they reach the lungs, producing a blockage that leads to a pulmonary embolism.

You may develop a deep vein thrombosis if you have an abnormality in your blood’s clotting mechanisms, if you’ve had infections or trauma, if you spend a lot of time in bed due to hospitalization or inactivity, or if you take long trips and don’t move your legs during it.

Signs and symptoms Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

  • Inflammation in the lower limb with the thrombus.
  • Sore leg with a sensation of cramping, which radiates from the calf to the rest of the leg.
  • Paleness or reddish appearance in the leg.
  • Heat in the leg.

When the clot has dislodged and a pulmonary embolism occurs, symptoms include:

  • Breathing problems.
  • Accelerated heart rate.
  • Heavy breathing.
  • Coughing with traces of blood.
  • Sore chest.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fainting.

Potential risks:

  • Contraceptive intake.
  • Hormonal treatments.
  • Overweight and obesity. 
  • Smoking. 
  • Being over 55 years old. 
  • Making long trips where the legs are immobilized. 
  • Prolonged hospitalization.
  • Injuries or surgeries in the legs.
  • Being pregnant. 
  • Having cancer
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Radiotherapy. 
  • Heart failure. 
  • Crohn’s disease.
  • Ulcerative colitis.
  • Having family members who have suffered from deep vein thrombosis.
  • Genetic abnormalities. 

Deep vein thrombosis can cause severe complications such as pulmonary embolism, although it can also cause postphlebitic syndrome and bleeding due to the action of anticoagulants to treat it.

Diagnosis and treatment Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Once your doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination in which they will verify if there are inflammatory processes in the legs, pain, or sensitivity when touched.

Likewise, they will perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as blood tests, ultrasound, MRI, and venography.

The treatment plan will seek to dissolve the clot if possible, prevent it from growing, prevent its detachment, and prevent the formation of new clots, so it may include anticoagulants and thrombolytics, as well as the placement of a filter in the vena cava to prevent the thrombi from reaching the lungs.

Similarly, you will need to wear compression stockings for two to three years to prevent new clots from forming.

At the ABC Medical Center Internal Medicine Department we offer health care services with the highest quality and safety, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and monitoring of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, of chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments

Internal medicine
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • cun.es
  • topdoctors.es
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Roig-Marín N, Roig-Rico P, Calbo-Maiques J, et al. Tromboembolismo pulmonar bilateral como manifestación inicial de infección por SARS-CoV-2. Med Int Mex. 2021;37(4):642-647.
  • Rodríguez-Quintero JR, Andrade-Castellanos CA. Trombosis venosa profunda secundaria al tratamiento con inmunoglobulina intravenosa. Med Int Mex. 2021;37(4):623-626.
  • Rojas ZAG, Acuña NIM, Padilla EDS. ¿Cuándo sospechar de una trombosis venosa profunda en extremidades superiores?. Revista Médica Sinergia. 2021;6(07):1-12.
  • García FJD, Bolaño VS, Dosouto IV, et al. Ecografía Doppler en el diagnóstico de trombosis venosa profunda de miembros inferiores. Mul Med. 2020;24(6):1271-1282.

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