Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis.

Abstract

Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is a rare thrombotic disorder (1-4% or all DVT), but it has a potential for considerable morbidity in the form of pulmonary embolism, persistent upper extremity pain and swelling, superior vena cava syndrome and loss of vascular access. Newer non-invasive methods such as duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance angiography facilitate early diagnosis. Early catheter directed thrombolysis followed by anticoagulation prevent long-term sequalae.