The circulatory system of the leg comprises arteries and veins, where arteries transport blood from the heart to the limbs, and veins carry it back to the heart. In the leg, there are both superficial veins, located near the surface, and deep veins, situated deeper within the limb. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition characterized by the formation of a blood clot, also known as a thrombus, within a deep vein. While DVTs are most commonly found in the veins of the leg, specifically the calf or thigh, they can also develop in other areas of the body.
DVT is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. If a clot dislodges and travels through the bloodstream, it can become lodged in the lung, leading to a condition known as a pulmonary embolism. This blockage in the lung can severely impair breathing and, in some cases, prove fatal. Clots in the thigh are more likely to result in a pulmonary embolism than those in the calf.
Numerous factors contribute to the formation of DVT, and the presence of multiple risk factors increases the likelihood of experiencing a DVT. Nevertheless, even individuals without these risk factors can develop DVT.
Blood or vein-related conditions:
Other medical conditions:
Women’s health factors:
Other factors:
Some individuals with DVT in the leg may exhibit either no warning signs or very vague symptoms. It is essential to consult a doctor for evaluation if any of the following warning signs or symptoms are present:
Diagnosing DVT can be challenging, especially when the patient is asymptomatic. Furthermore, the similarity between DVT symptoms and those of other conditions, such as muscle strains, infections, superficial vein clots (thrombophlebitis), fractures, or arthritis, can complicate the diagnosis. If DVT is suspected, the doctor will promptly refer the patient to a vascular laboratory or a hospital for testing, which may involve blood tests, Doppler ultrasound, venography, MRI, or angiography.
Upon confirmation of a clot’s presence, the doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Hospitalization may be necessary depending on the clot’s location. A multidisciplinary team of physicians, which may include a primary care physician, internist, vascular surgeon, or hematologist, will manage medical or surgical care.
Treatment options may encompass:
An early and exceptionally serious complication of DVT is the development of a pulmonary embolism. This occurs when the clot dislodges and migrates to the lung. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:
Long-term consequences of DVT include damage to the affected vein, leading to persistent swelling, pain, and discoloration of the leg.
For individuals with risk factors for DVT, these strategies may help reduce the likelihood of developing a blood clot: