Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis: a case report and review of current diagnostic/therapeutic modalities

Non-lower extremity deep vein thrombosis

This article reviews the prevalence, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnoses, and treatment of non-lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The discussion includes upper extremity DVT, mesenteric venous occlusion, jugular vein thrombosis, and central venous thrombosis.

Treatment options for deep venous thrombosis

Once the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been established the focus shifts to management of the disease. The goals of acute treatment of DVT are several: arrest growth of the thrombus, dissolve or remove the thrombus, and prevent embolizations of the thrombus. Although these goals have remained constant, the initial management of DVT has undergone a series of evolutions during the past decade, affecting both acute treatment and disposition decisions. As this article discusses, emergency medicine is at the cutting edge of these changes.

Vascular ultrasonography

Although vascular ultrasonography has been established as an essential diagnostic tool in many clinical settings, its role in the emergency department patient population is uncertain. Preliminary reports of emergency physician--directed ultrasonography are promising. Further studies are needed to establish its reliability and suitability in the emergency department setting.