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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Extra-abdominal venous thromboses at unusual sites
Ida Martinelli1, Valerio De Stefano
1Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy. martin@policlinico.mi.it
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Haematology
|September 11, 2012
Summary
This review examines rare venous thromboses in unusual locations like the brain and upper extremities. It covers risk factors, treatments, and outcomes for these uncommon but serious conditions.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Clinical Review
Background:
- Venous thrombosis commonly affects lower extremities but can manifest rarely in cerebral, splanchnic, renal, upper extremity, or retinal veins.
- These unusual presentations carry significant clinical impact, affecting quality of life and potentially leading to serious complications like pulmonary embolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review venous thromboses occurring at unusual extra-abdominal sites.
- To discuss the specific risk factors, clinical presentations, and management strategies for these rare thrombotic events.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on venous thromboses at unusual extra-abdominal sites.
- Analysis of reported cases focusing on etiology, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Cerebral sinus-venous thrombosis is often linked to local infections or cancer.
- Upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis frequently results from catheters or effort-related factors.
- Common risk factors include inherited thrombophilia and oral contraceptive use.
Conclusions:
- Acute treatment for venous thrombosis involves heparin, with consideration for fibrinolysis in cerebral sinus-venous thrombosis.
- Long-term anticoagulation with Vitamin-K antagonists for 3-6 months is recommended, with indefinite treatment for recurrent or unprovoked cases.
- Limited data exist on long-term management, particularly for retinal vein occlusion.
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