Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Here's an overview covering its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention:

### Causes:
- *Stasis*: Reduced blood flow in the veins, often due to prolonged immobility (such as during long flights or bed rest).
- *Hypercoagulability*: Conditions that increase the tendency of blood to clot, such as inherited disorders (like Factor V Leiden mutation), cancer, or hormonal factors (like pregnancy or birth control pills).
- *Endothelial injury*: Damage to the inner lining of the vein, which can occur due to trauma, surgery, or inflammation.

Symptoms:
- *Swelling*: Typically in one leg, sometimes accompanied by warmth and redness.
- *Pain*: Often described as cramping or bursting in the affected leg, especially when standing or walking.
- *Redness*: Discoloration of the skin over the affected area.
- *Vein hardness*: The affected vein may feel firm or cord-like to the touch.

### Diagnosis:
- *Ultrasound*: The most common test to diagnose DVT, which uses sound waves to create images of blood flow in the veins.
- *D-dimer test*: Blood test that measures a substance released when a blood clot breaks up. Elevated levels can suggest the presence of clotting, but this test alone is not definitive.
- *Venography*: A procedure where contrast dye is injected into a large vein in the foot or ankle to highlight blood flow in the leg veins.

### Treatment:
- *Anticoagulant medications*: Often the first-line treatment to prevent the clot from growing and to reduce the risk of complications. Examples include heparin, dalteparin, enoxaparin, fondaparinux and warfarin (Coumarin), or newer oral anticoagulants like dabigatran, apixaban and rivaroxaban.
- *Thrombolytic therapy*: In rare cases of severe DVT or pulmonary embolism (when a clot travels to the lungs), medications may be used to dissolve the clot.
- *Compression stockings*: Help prevent swelling and reduce the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome (chronic leg pain and swelling) after DVT. Usually class 2 graduated compression stockings are preferred.

Prevention:
- *Movement*: Avoid prolonged sitting or standing. If sitting for long periods (e.g., during travel), take breaks to walk around.

- *Exercise*: Regular physical activity helps improve blood flow and reduces the risk of DVT. -

*Compression stockings*: Particularly useful for individuals at high risk, such as those with a history of DVT or who are undergoing surgery.

- *Medications*: In some cases, especially during high-risk situations like surgery or hospitalization, anticoagulant medications may be prescribed prophylactically.

Complications:
- *Pulmonary embolism (PE)*: A serious condition where a clot breaks off from the leg and travels to the lungs.
- *Post-thrombotic syndrome*: Chronic leg pain, swelling, and skin changes due to damage to the veins from the initial clot.

DVT is a potentially serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. If you suspect DVT or experience symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, or redness, seek medical help immediately to prevent complications and receive appropriate treatment.

Contact :
Dr. Shashank kari - Consultant Vascular, Endovascular & Diabetic Foot Surgeon

At : Sou. Mandakini Memorial Clinic
Deshpande nagar, Hubli, Karnataka India.