Diagnosis, investigation, and management of deep vein thrombosis
BMJ 2003; 326 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7400.1180 (Published 29 May 2003) Cite this as: BMJ 2003;326:1180- Clive Tovey, consultant in emergency medicine (clive.tovey@nglamtr.wales.nhs.uk)1,
- Suzanne Wyatt, consultant in emergency medicine2
- 1 Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan CF47 9DT
- 2 Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan CF31 1RQ
- Correspondence to: C Tovey
Introduction
Venous thromboembolic disease has an estimated annual incidence in developed countries of one in 1000 people.1 The disorder commonly manifests as deep vein thrombosis of the leg, but deep venous thrombosis may also occur in other veins (cerebral sinus, arms, retina, and mesentery).
The sequelae of deep vein thrombosis vary from complete resolution of the clot without any ill effects through to death due to pulmonary embolism. Morbidity due to deep vein thrombosis includes post-thrombotic syndrome, encompassing chronic venous hypertension causing limb pain, swelling, hyperpigmentation, dermatitis, ulcers, venous gangrene, and lipodermatosclerosis.
Pain or swelling of a lower limb is a common presenting complaint, and a wide differential diagnosis exists (box 1). No single investigation for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis has ideal properties (100% sensitivity and specificity, low cost, no risk), and often several tests are performed, either sequentially or in combination.
Box 1: Possible causes of pain or swelling of the lower limb
Venous
Deep vein thrombosis
Superficial thrombophlebitis
Post-thrombotic syndrome
Chronic venous insufficiency
Venous obstruction
Other
Cellulitis
Baker's cyst
Torn gastrocnemius muscle
Fracture
Haematoma
Acute arterial ischaemia
Lymphoedema
Hypoproteinaemia (for example, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome)
Summary points
Deep vein thrombosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality
Clinical diagnosis is unreliable
Screening investigations include D-dimer tests and plethysmographic techniques
Definitive diagnosis is usually by venography or ultrasonography
Initial treatment is with heparin—unfractionated or low molecular weight—followed by oral anticoagulation
Outpatient treatment of deep vein thrombosis is safe
With the introduction of low molecular weight heparins it is now possible to treat deep vein thrombosis as an outpatient condition. This review describes the investigations used in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb and the further management of the condition. …
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