Deep vein thrombosis--risks and diagnosis.
BACKGROUND
Venous thromboembolism, comprising deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, is common in Australia and is associated with high morbidity.


OBJECTIVE
This article provides a summary of the risk factors for DVT of the lower limb and discusses the diagnosis of the condition using a diagnostic algorithm incorporating clinical assessment, D-dimer testing and imaging studies. It also briefly reviews the clinical significance of isolated distal lower limb DVT and superficial vein thrombosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Many conditions in the lower limb mimic DVT. Diagnosing DVT on clinical grounds without objective testing is unreliable. Patients incorrectly diagnosed as having DVT may be subjected to unnecessary anticoagulation and its associated risks of bleeding. In contrast, there is a risk of thrombus extension and embolisation when DVT is missed or inappropriately treated.
Ho
Wai Khoon
WK
Department of Haematology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria. wai.ho@austin.org.au
D000372:Agglutination Tests; D000465:Algorithms; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005337:Fibrin / Q000378:metabolism; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014914:Whole Blood Coagulation Time
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C036309:fibrin fragment D; D005337:Fibrin