Special features

Venous thromboembolism — manifestations and diagnosis

By Martin Thomas, BSc, BM, MRCP

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are responsible for a large number of preventable deaths in hospital, yet prompt diagnosis can dramatically reduce mortality and morbidity. This article describes the causes of these conditions and the techniques used for diagnosis

This article as a FULL TEXT PDF (60K)

Dr Thomas is specialist registrar, cardiology at the Sussex Cardiac Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton

Biophoto associates/SPL

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis commonly occurs in the veins of the calf

SUMMARY

Venous thromboembolism is defined as any thromboembolic event occurring within the venous system, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its sequela, pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT is a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein within the muscle, typically the calf or thigh. If part of the thrombus breaks off, it becomes an embolus which can travel through the heart and block the arteries to the lungs, known as a PE. DVT and PE are currently the leading causes of preventable in-hospital mortality.

This article will cover the causes, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of DVT and PE.

The pharmacological management of these conditions is described in a second article (p205).