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Deep vein thrombosis in an adolescent.
D A Berman1, R L Norris, T Crow
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam, Houston, TX 78234-6200.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is rare in adolescents but can occur after minor injury. This case highlights the importance of considering DVT in young patients with leg swelling and tenderness, even without typical risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Pediatric Thrombosis
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is uncommon in the adolescent population.
- Minor trauma is not typically associated with DVT development in younger individuals.
- Early recognition and diagnosis of DVT in adolescents are crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- An adolescent patient presented with unilateral lower extremity swelling and tenderness following minor trauma.
- Clinical presentation mimicked other conditions, necessitating a thorough diagnostic work-up.
- Diagnostic imaging confirmed extensive deep venous system occlusion in the proximal leg.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates an unusual presentation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in an adolescent post-minor trauma.
- Venography confirmed proximal deep venous occlusion, a significant finding in this age group.
- The patient received prompt anticoagulation therapy, including initial intravenous heparin and subsequent oral anticoagulation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need to consider DVT in the differential diagnosis of leg swelling in adolescents, irrespective of apparent risk factors.
- The diagnostic approach, including venography, is vital for confirming DVT in pediatric patients.
- Effective anticoagulation management is essential to prevent complications and ensure favorable outcomes in adolescent DVT cases.