Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is essentially a
clot (
thrombosis) in a large
vein in the body. Typically this occurs in the
leg, but in rare cases it can occur in other parts of the body. The clot blocks the
normal flow of
blood through the vein and can cause a variety of
symptoms including
swelling,
numbness,
pain, warmness of surrounding
tissue, and redness. Typically 50% of
patients will have no symptoms at all.
In most cases, a DVT is not a life threatening condition. In cases where the clot is below the knee, the chances of embolism are rare. There is a risk that part of the clot could break free and become lodged in the lungs. This can lead to serious complications and death. Typically DVT is aggravated by smoking, trauma, pregnancy, the use of birth control pills, and prolonged lack of movement such as after surgery.
In most cases, DVT is diagnosed by the use or an MRI or venogram (a somewhat painful X-Ray used with dye injection). Treatment depends on the severity, but typically consists of a prescribed anticoagulate such as heparin.