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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis: a review
1University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. cmai@health.usf.edu
The American Journal of Medicine
|May 3, 2011
Summary
Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) is less common but increasingly prevalent, especially in complex patients. This review clarifies UEDVT diagnosis, risk factors, and evidence-based treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Clinical Thrombosis
Background:
- Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) is less common than lower-extremity DVT.
- UEDVT incidence is rising in patients with central venous catheters and complex medical conditions.
- Despite similar adverse outcomes to lower-extremity DVT, UEDVT requires specific diagnostic and management considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate primary and secondary UEDVT.
- To assess risk factors and clinical sequelae of UEDVT, comparing them to lower-extremity DVT.
- To outline evidence-based treatment and prevention strategies for secondary UEDVT.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis.
- Comparative analysis of UEDVT versus lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis.
- Synthesis of clinical evidence for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- UEDVT shares adverse consequences with lower-extremity DVT.
- Central venous catheters are a significant risk factor for secondary UEDVT.
- Emerging evidence refines the understanding of UEDVT prognosis and management.
Conclusions:
- Physicians need to be aware of UEDVT's unique diagnostic and treatment considerations.
- Management strategies for UEDVT are evolving and require clinical familiarity.
- Differentiating UEDVT types and understanding risk factors are key for effective patient care.
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