Deep Vein Thrombosis

About Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis DVT is a blood clot in the deep veins, usually of the legs. The clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism PE, which can be fatal. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or coughing up blood can indicate a pulmonary embolism and is a medical emergency; call your local emergency number. Together, DVT and PE are called venous thromboembolism VTE. Risk factors include surgery, trauma, prolonged immobility long flights, hospitalization, cancer, pregnancy, estrogen therapy, and inherited thrombophilias Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation. Symptoms include leg swelling, pain, warmth, and redness, usually on one side. Diagnosis is made through D dimer blood test and compression ultrasound. The Wells criteria help assess clinical probability. Treatment involves anticoagulation, traditionally with heparin followed by warfarin, but now more commonly with direct oral anticoagulants DOACs rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran. Treatment duration is decided individually; it is usually at least three months and may be extended long term for unprovoked or recurrent VTE. Prevention in hospitalized patients includes mechanical compression devices and prophylactic anticoagulation.