Upper-Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis after Whole Blood Donation-A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Vascular Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Whole blood donation is generally safe with a low complication rate.
• Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) is an exceptionally rare adverse event associated with blood donation.
• Previous literature documents only five reported cases of UEDVT following blood donation.

Observation:

• A 22-year-old female with a history of pulmonary embolism presented with right arm pain and swelling.
• Symptoms began several days after donating whole blood via the right arm.
• Phlebotomy duration was approximately 10 minutes.

Findings:

• Duplex ultrasound confirmed a thrombus in the right brachial vein, diagnosing UEDVT.
• The patient was treated with a 6-month course of apixaban.
• This case represents the sixth documented instance of UEDVT post-blood donation.

Implications:

• While rare, UEDVT is a severe complication of blood donation that requires clinical consideration.
• Healthcare providers should be vigilant for UEDVT symptoms in blood donors presenting with persistent arm pain and swelling.
• Raising awareness of this rare complication may improve early diagnosis and patient outcomes.