Cardiovascular

Deep Vein Thrombosis

A DVT is a venous clot, usually in a leg vein, that can extend or embolise to cause PE; diagnose it with a validated pathway and treat confirmed proximal disease with anticoagulation.

Definition

Deep vein thrombosis is thrombus in a deep vein, most often of the lower limb. Proximal DVT involves the popliteal, femoral or iliac veins and carries greater embolic risk than isolated distal calf thrombosis.

First principles

Virchow's triad creates venous thrombosis

Venous stasis, endothelial injury and hypercoagulability interact. Risk may be transient (surgery, immobility, oestrogen or pregnancy), persistent (active cancer, thrombophilia or chronic disease), or absent despite a careful assessment.

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