A review of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis

Abstract

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.

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

“…Venous cannulation causing secondary UEDVTs mostly occurs from central vein catheters (CVCs), with CVCs implicated in about 41% of cases of UEDTs. 12,13 The biggest offender being the peripherally inserted central catheters estimated to be the cause of catheter-related thrombosis 40% of the time. 12 Blood donation can be a type of venous cannulation; however, the process is transient.…”

“…12,13 The biggest offender being the peripherally inserted central catheters estimated to be the cause of catheter-related thrombosis 40% of the time. 12 Blood donation can be a type of venous cannulation; however, the process is transient.…”

Edoxaban: front-line treatment for brachiocephalic vein thrombosis in primitive mediastinal seminoma: A case report and literature review

“…Indeed, its sensitivity and specificity ranges from 81–97% and 93–96%, respectively. [52] The negative predictive value of color-Doppler ± CUS is very high, reaching > 95% in most studies. [53] To date, US imaging is the initial test of choice for the diagnosis of suspected ULDVT.…”

Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolism in a patient with COVID-19 under prophylactic anticoagulation: A case report

“…Deep venous thrombosis of the upper-extremities is less frequent than DVT of the lower extremities. The majority of upper-extremities DVT cases are due to secondary causes, including surgery, trauma, immobilization, indwelling catheters, cancer, pregnancy, or oral contraceptives [ 1 , 2 ]. The COVID-19 infection is well known to induce thrombotic disorders, resulting in an increased incidence of PE and DVT, especially in the lower extremities [ 3 , 4 ].…”