Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 13, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
06:45

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis

Published on: February 10, 2023

15.8K

Upper limb deep vein thrombosis: a literature review to streamline the protocol for management

Muhammad S Sajid1, Naeem Ahmed, Mittal Desai

  • 1Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, UK. surgeon1wrh@hotmail.com

Acta Haematologica
|April 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Upper limb deep vein thrombosis (ULDVT) is rare but serious, often caused by venous catheters or malignancy. Anticoagulation is the primary treatment, with thrombolysis or surgery for severe cases.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Upper limb deep vein thrombosis (ULDVT) is a significant clinical concern, though less common than lower limb DVT.
  • It is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, including pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To consolidate current knowledge on the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies for ULDVT.
  • To provide an updated overview of ULDVT management based on recent literature.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted using terms like ULDVT and axillary-subclavian DVT.
  • Analysis included original studies, review articles, and evaluation studies published within the last 25 years, evaluating 47 studies involving 2,557 patients.

Main Results:

  • ULDVT accounts for 1-4% of all DVTs, with secondary causes (catheters, malignancy) predominating (80%).
  • Diagnostic accuracy for duplex ultrasound is high (sensitivity 78-100%, specificity 82-100%).
  • Anticoagulation provided symptom relief in 79% of cases, while thrombolysis/thrombectomy offered higher symptom relief (83%) and recanalization rates (90%).

Conclusions:

  • ULDVT poses risks of pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, and vascular access loss.
  • Anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment for most patients.
  • A multimodality approach integrating anticoagulation, thrombolysis/thrombectomy, and adjunctive interventions is optimal for managing ULDVT.
Abstract

More Related Videos

An In vitro System to Gauge the Thrombolytic Efficacy of Histotripsy and a Lytic Drug07:50

An In vitro System to Gauge the Thrombolytic Efficacy of Histotripsy and a Lytic Drug

Published on: June 4, 2021

3.1K
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis10:26

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

17.8K

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
191
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
347
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
298
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
273
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
282
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
335