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Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis: a review

Cuc Mai1, Daniel Hunt

  • 1University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. cmai@health.usf.edu

The American Journal of Medicine
|May 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

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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