Deep Vein Thrombosis involves:
Blood Clot Formation: Formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, typically in the legs.
Risk Factors: Factors such as prolonged immobility, surgery, trauma, pregnancy, and underlying medical conditions.
Virchow's Triad: Conditions contributing to DVT including stasis of blood flow, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability.
Complications: DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE) if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, causing a blockage.
Clinical Evaluation
Symptoms: Assessment of symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, warmth, and redness.
Physical Examination: Examination findings may include unilateral leg swelling, tenderness along the affected vein, and a positive Homans sign (calf pain with dorsiflexion of the foot).
Diagnostic Tests: Doppler ultrasound to visualize blood flow and detect clots, D-dimer blood test to assess for clot breakdown products, and imaging studies (CT scan or MRI) if needed.
Unilateral leg pain and tenderness.
Swelling (edema) of the affected leg.
Warmth and redness over the affected area.
Increased pain with leg movement or when standing.
Symptoms may vary depending on the clot size and location.
Treatment aims to prevent clot propagation, reduce complications, and prevent recurrence:
Anticoagulant Therapy: Administration of blood-thinning medications such as heparin and warfarin to prevent clot extension and recurrence.
Thrombolytic Therapy: In some cases, clot-dissolving medications may be used to rapidly dissolve large clots.
Compression Therapy: Use of compression stockings to reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
Preventive Measures: Early mobilization after surgery, use of pneumatic compression devices, and lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors.