[Deep vein thrombosis in the upper extremities focusing on Paget-Schrötter syndrome]

Jærn Dalsgaard Nielsen1, Thomas Steffen Hermann1

  • 1Videncenter for Antikoagulant Behandling, Hjerteafdelingen, Københavns Universitet - Bispebjerg og Frederiksberg Hospital.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|March 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UE-DVT) treatment varies by type. Anticoagulant therapy is often effective, but early surgery may improve outcomes for persistent Paget-Schrötter syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Hematology
  • Thrombosis Research

Background:

  • Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UE-DVT) encompasses catheter-related, cancer-associated, and primary (Paget-Schrötter syndrome) forms.
  • Each UE-DVT subtype presents distinct clinical challenges, including incidence, mortality, and treatment variability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current treatment strategies for upper extremity deep vein thrombosis.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of anticoagulant therapy versus surgical intervention for UE-DVT.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on UE-DVT treatment.
  • Analysis of outcomes based on treatment modality and timing.

Main Results:

  • Anticoagulant treatment (AC) for 3-6 months generally leads to symptom resolution or mild postthrombotic syndrome.
  • Surgical intervention within 6 weeks of symptom onset may yield superior results compared to AC alone in some cases.

Conclusions:

  • Anticoagulant therapy is a primary treatment for UE-DVT.
  • Further research, including a randomized trial comparing AC alone versus AC plus early surgery, is needed for persistent symptoms.

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation01:27

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation

Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...