Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

There are a couple of potential complications that can result from DVT.  The most concerning and serious of these is pulmonary embolism.

• Pulmonary Embolism – A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot dislodges and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it interferes with normal blood flow. This condition is serious and can even be life-threatening. Immediate medical attention is needed.
• Postphlebitic Syndrome – This condition, also known as post-thrombotic syndrome, are changes or damages incurred as the result of DVT. These include edema in the legs, leg pain, and sores or discoloration of the skin.

As the most concerning potential complication of DVT, it is important that patients also understand the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, which include:

• Chest pain that is made worse with coughing or deep breathing
• A general shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• A fast heartrate
• Coughing up blood

Diagnosing DVT relies on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.  To confirm the presence of deep vein thrombosis, a physician may use:

• Imaging Tests – Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI can help doctors visualize blood clots in the veins, and subsequent tests can help determine if they are moving or growing larger.
• Blood Test – Elevated levels of a particular substance in the blood called D dimer are present in nearly every DVT patient.
• Venography – This technique uses an x-ray and contrast dye in the veins to find potential blood clots.

Treating DVT has two purposes: prevent the clot from growing and prevent the clot from moving to the lungs.  This can be accomplished using one of the following techniques:

• Blood Thinning Medication – This is the most commonly prescribed treatment for DVT. While blood thinners won’t break up an existing clot, they can prevent it from growing in size and reduce the risk of developing future clots.
• Clot Busting Medication – In more severe cases of DVT or in the case of a pulmonary embolism, special medicine to break up the clot may be given. These medications are administered either through an IV or catheter.
• Filters – As an additional precaution to ensure that a blood clot in the legs will not travel to the lungs, a filter may be placed in the vena cava artery in the abdomen. This filter will catch a trap a blood clot before it can progress to the lungs.