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Deep Venous Thrombosis - Symptoms
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 bloodstream, is known as embolization. This can result in clot entrapment in the lungs, a clinical entity known as pulmonary embolism. Deep venous thrombosis or DVT is common in several different situations.
SITUATIONS AT RISK FOR DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS
1. PREGNANCY
2. THOSE CHRONICALLY BEDRIDDEN OR WHEELCHAIR BOUND
3. ELDERLY PATIENTS
4. IMMEDIATE POST OPERATIVE PATIENTS
5. FEMALES USING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
6. PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF PRIOR DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS
Common symptoms include unilateral leg (calf) swelling and pain. There may be tenderness to the calf extending up the thigh, into the groin. Evaluation will include history and physical examination for the findings consistent with DVT. Angiodynography has offered a painless noninvasive alternative for diagnosing this problem. Venography, which involves an injection of a radiopaque 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 will involve the use of medications (heparin) to inhibit clot formation. This anticoagulant medication is generally given in the hospital by IV route with close observation for signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism.Leg elevation, bed rest, and warm compresses may also be indicated. Some cases of deep venous thrombosis BELOW the knee will require only conservative management without IV blood thinners and hospitalization. Oral anticoagulantmedication (warfarin) may be necessary longer term in some of these patients. Blood clots ABOVE the knee are more likely to release into the blood streamresulting in more serious complications (pulmonary embolism).
Hope this article will provide you information about deep venous thrombosis.
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