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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
[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.
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.
Abstract:
Among the three main forms of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UE-DVT), catheter-related UE-DVT has the highest incidence, cancer-associated UE-DVT the highest mortality, and primary UE-DVT (Paget-Schrötter syndrome) the most varied treatment proposals. This review finds that nticoagulant treatment (AC) for 3-6 months leads to symptom freedom or mild postthrombotic syndrome in most patients. Still, several studies show better results after surgical treatment if performed less-than 6 weeks after symptom onset. A randomized study of AC alone versus AC + surgery less-than 6 weeks in patients with persistent symptoms is warranted.
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