This review aims to describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, presentation, complications, evaluation/diagnosis, and treatment of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) accounts for 6% of cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It can lead to swelling and discomfort in that extremity and can be complicated by pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, and recurrence of DVT. Evaluation can begin with a dichotomized Constans score and fibrin degradation product testing. Diagnosis is typically made with compression ultrasound. Anticoagulation is the mainstay of therapy. Primary UEDVT is known as Paget Schroetter Syndrome (PSS) which occurs due to venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS). Anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and decompression of the venous thoracic outlet are used for treatment but the optimal strategy remains to be elucidated. Secondary UEDVT are most commonly caused by indwelling catheters and malignancy. There is an ongoing realization that UEDVT are more than simply 'leg clots in the arm.' Given the increasing incidence, research needs to be done to further our understanding of this disease state, its evaluation, and its treatment.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common medical problem requiring early diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent serious sequelae. Currently available diagnostic acids are suboptimal, since they are either invasive (phlebography), insensitive (ultrasound), or slow (125I-fibrinogen uptake test). The 99Tcm-plasmin test was compared with the 125I-fibrinogen uptake test. The results were concordant in 38 of 40 cases studied (11 concordant positive and 27 concordant negative); a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found. In a further 20 patients, the 99Tcm-plasmin uptake test was compared with X-ray contrast phlebography. In this series, 12 patients presented with concordant negative results, five patients with concordant positive results and three patients with a positive 99Tcm-plasmin uptake test in the presence of a negative phlebogram. Of these three cases, two presented with clinical evidence of pulmonary embolism and positive perfusion/ventilation lung scans. 99Tcm-plasmin appears to have the potential for early and rapid screening of deep-vein thrombosis 15 minutes after intravenous injection. The test is safe, quick, economic and easy to perform.

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