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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Deep venous thromboembolism in a triathlete
1Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University/Bellevue Hospital, New York, New York 10016, USA.
Athletes may develop deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism after endurance events like triathlons due to multiple risk factors. Leg pain in athletes post-exertion warrants DVT consideration.
Area of Science:
- Sports medicine
- Cardiovascular health
- Thrombosis research
Background:
- Endurance athletic events present unique risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in athletes.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for athlete well-being and injury prevention.
Observation:
- A case of a young female athlete diagnosed with DVT and pulmonary embolism following a half-Ironman triathlon is presented.
- This highlights a critical intersection of extreme physical exertion and vascular health.
Findings:
- Participation in demanding triathlons can precipitate DVT due to a confluence of risk factors.
- Pulmonary embolism can be a serious complication of DVT in this population.
Implications:
- Athletes experiencing leg pain after strenuous events should be evaluated for DVT.
- Early diagnosis and management of DVT are essential to prevent life-threatening complications in athletes.
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