Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis

 
Also known as DVT, deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot formed in the deep veins of the leg. Medical diagnosis includes conducting imaging or laboratory tests.
 
Symptoms
 
There may be no symptoms for some patients, but the following symptoms may occur.
 

• Pain in the calf, foot, or leg
• Pain on extending the foot
• Tenderness in the leg
• Swelling of the lower leg, ankle or foot
• Warm skin

 
Diagnosis
 
Deep vein thrombosis is treatable by a medical professional. It is a medium-term condition that resolves within months. Consult a General Practitioner, Emergency Medicine Doctor or Haematologist.
Multiple tests are used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, as it can easily be mistaken for other disorders such as lymphoedema and chronic venous disease:
 

• Venous ultrasound
• Contrast venography: where a dye is injected into the leg and x-rays are taken of the veins
• Blood test or D-dimer test
• MRI and CT scans

 
Treatments
 

• Medications: blood thinners
• Devices: use of compression stockings

 
Complications
 

• The condition can be serious if blood clots loosen and lodge in the lungs
• A deep vein thrombosis in the thigh risks pulmonary embolism which can be fatal
• Phlebitis or inflammation
• Leg ulcers

 
Risk factors that may contribute to deep vein thrombosis include:
 

• Coronary heart disease
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• High-dosage of oral contraceptive pill
• A family history of DVT
• Previous thrombosis
• Sitting still for long periods of time
• Recent surgery or injury
• Chronic heart failure
• Hormone therapy